Unilever to acquire 75% stake in Italian personal care brand Equilibra

Cosmetic industry news : CPG giant Unilever has agreed to acquire a stake of 75% in Equilibra, an Italian personal care brand for an undisclosed price.

Unilever says that Equilibra has an increasing presence in the ‘natural’ personal care segments apart from being a leading brand in Italy for nutritional supplements.

Created in 1987 by Franco Bianco, the Italian personal care brand is said to use plant-based ingredients with functional benefits, which include Aloe, Karite’, Almond and Argan.

Franco Bianco said that Equilibra aims to take the Italian Beauty and Wellbeing beyond Italy while consolidating its footprint in its home country.

Commenting on Unilever acquisition of Equilibra stake, Alan Jope – Unilever President Beauty & Personal Care, said: “Equilibra is very well-positioned in the wellbeing space in Italy and complements perfectly our existing offering. The Equilibra brand enjoys great recognition in the market, and we see opportunities for further development in what is a fast-growing segment.”

Equilibra will be operated as a standalone business, headquartered in Turin, after completion of the transaction with the help of its existing management team. Marco Bianco will be the CEO of the Italian personal care brand while Franco Bianco will be its Honorary Chairman.

Fulvio Guarneri, General Manager Unilever Italy, commenting on Unilever acquisition of Equilibra stake, said: “Unilever has a successful track record of scaling partnerships with quintessential Italian brands on a national and European level.

“Unilever and Equilibra will leverage their complementary expertise to grow the Equilibra business, bringing sustainability, wellness and the Italian spirit to people in Italy and abroad.”

Unilever acquisition of Equilibra stake will be completed upon receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfactory meeting of customary closing conditions.