Cosmetics International articles from May 2008

Cosmetics International archives from May 2008

Supermarket beauty prices under investigation by UK government.
May 2, 2008... The prices of health and beauty products in UK supermarkets are under scrutiny as the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has broadened its investigation of price fixing by major retailers and suppliers. The OFT has reportedly contacted retailers...

Aesop opens London store and prepares for Switzerland.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Australian beauty company Aesop has opened its first standalone store in the UK--in London's new hot spot, Mayfair's Mount Street. "Mount Street is an appropriate first step into UK standalone retail," said an Aesop spokesman. "It has a...

Sublime future ahead for The Different Company.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)(Luc Gabriel)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Niche fragrance house The Different Company has just opened a boutique in Paris' fashionable Marais district. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Now, ceo Luc Gabriel is turning his attention to the company's international distribution. "We're...

Organic Pharmacy looks West.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Organic Pharmacy is seriously considering the US market for its first standalone store the UK. Co-founder Margo Marrone said the company has a large online following in the US, and Los Angeles would be an ideal...

Daisy and Tom Ford win FiFis.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Coty and Estee Lauder took the top UK FiFi awards. Marc Jacob's Daisy (Coty) scooped the award for best new female prestige female fragrance and Lauder's Tom Ford for Men was named the best prestige male fragrance. Lauder's Jo Malone,...

Marionnaud's former ceo has a date with Paris's Criminal Court later this month.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)(Marionnaud Parfumeries S.A.)(Marcel Frydman)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Marionnaud's former ceo has a date with Paris's Criminal Court later this month. Marcel Frydman is charged with distributing false information, deceit, complicity and use of false information regarding the French perfumery chain's accounts for...

Rapper 50 Cent.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Rapper 50 Cent is reportedly working on a fragrance line and deodorant.

A new study by researchers at the Universities of Manchester and Newcastle found that adding five tablespoons of tomato paste to the daily diet improved the skin's ability to protect itself against UV rays.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... A new study by researchers at the Universities of Manchester and Newcastle found that adding five tablespoons of tomato paste to the daily diet improved the skin's ability to protect itself against UV rays. The key ingredient, they say, is...

Natura Cosmetics has postponed its entry into the US market, deciding to wait until 2009.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Natura Cosmetics has postponed its entry into the US market, deciding to wait until 2009. The company will now focus its efforts on its recently announced restructuring programme to improve its bottom line.

Amelie star Audrey Tatou is rumoured to be the new face of Chanel No. 5.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Amelie star Audrey Tatou is rumoured to be the new face of Chanel No. 5. Tatou is also reportedly lined up to play Coco Chanel in an upcoming biopic to be directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunett.

US-based Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps has filed a lawsuit, accusing a number of organisations of making false organic claims.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... US-based Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps has filed a lawsuit, accusing a number of organisations of making false organic claims. The lawsuit names Estee Lauder, Stella McCartney, Ecocert and Oasis.

Estee Lauder brings good skin to UK.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Estee Lauder has partnered with UK drugstore chain Superdrug to carry one of its BeautyBank brands, good skin, in 250 of its stores. Superdrug, which is owned by A.S. Watson, is a natural fit for the range, says Trudi Collister,...

Avon turns to TV to recruit staff.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Avon product advertisements have become a regular feature of the UK television schedules but now the direct sales giant is preparing to run an onscreen recruitment drive. "It's very exciting," said Avon's UK president Anna Segatti. "This...

KMI moves further into female territory.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... KMI, owner of King of Shaves, has made a strategic move into women's brands with the acquisition of FIoraroma. FIoraroma was founded by Joanne Sinclair, who has built up a 6m [pounds sterling] stable of brands such as Little Me, Phil Smith...

French judge rules against L'Oreal.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... The Commercial Court of Paris has ordered L'Oreal to pay a 10,000 [euro] fine following a successful lawsuit by Unilever. Unilever claimed L'Oreal's Airness deodorants bear too much resemblance to its own Axe products. [ILLUSTRATION...

Adding colour to undies.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... ADDING COLOUR TO UNDIES: Lingerie retailer La Senza is getting into the cosmetics business. The company, which is owned by private equity group Lion Capital, is launching a makeup line into its UK, Norway, Gibraltar and Iceland stores this...

Costume National to get new outfit.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)(Beauty San S.P.A.)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Costume National's new licensee Beauty San says it is well on its way to reinvigorating the brand, which was previously run by Kenzo. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Beauty San was initially Costume National's distributor and took over the...

Marionnaud enters the Asian market.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... A.S. Watson has opened a Marionnaud perfumery in Hong Kong under the Marionnaud Paris banner. The opening marks the entry of Marionnaud Paris in the Asian market. The company decided to open a store in Hong Kong because of its reputation...

Nikko to sell Japanese retailers.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Citigroup's Nikko Principal Investments (NPI) is reportedly looking at selling its stake in the retail branch of Sony Corp, which includes B&C Laboratories and CP Cosmetics. Between them, the two retailers have approximately 7000 outlets in...

UK CEW rewards beauty excellence.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)(Cosmetic Executive Women)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) UK announced the 2008 beauty awards winners at its third annual awards ceremony. The awards are recognised as a way for new brands to gain extra exposure. First-time entrant Tommy Guns, for example, won Best...

Bioderma to become movie star.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Following its recent partnership with the Casablanca advertising agency, French dermatology brand Bioderma will start showing product placements in films. Bioderma's products will appear in scenes where the products would normally be used,...

Faces to set up shop in Ecuador.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Following its recent announcement that it would take its stores to emerging markets, Faces Cosmetics has announced a partnership in Ecuador that will see the eventual establishment of a network of franchises in South America. Financial...

Ferdinand Storp explains why being a small fish in a big pond has its advantages, how drom is using its creativity in New York and why genetically engineered flowers are the future of the fragrance industry.(INDUSTRY INSIGHT)
May 2, 2008... Drom Fragrances International is unusual in the fragrance industry in that it is one of the rare family-owned suppliers left. Being a small company it's a wonder that drom hasn't been snapped up by other, much larger supplier companies like...

Cosmoprof updates image.(Cosmetics International reports from Bologna)(Sogecos Americas Inc.)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Like many a 40-something, Cosmoprof has taken steps to update its image. In its 41st year, the Sogecos-organised exhibition unveiled a new look, carried through its logo, publicity material and of course the show itself. The prestige...

Italian market grows modestly.(Cosmetics International reports from Bologna)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Italian trade organisation Unipro says the Italian beauty industry's growth was modest in 2007, with an overall sales rise of 2.5% to 8.99bn [euro]. Unipro president Fabio Franchina was pleased, however, that all channels of distribution...

Korres has much in store for future.(Cosmetics International reports from Bologna)
May 2, 2008... Having just opened a store in Paris, Greek beauty company Korres is set to open its second store in New York--this time in fashionable Brooklyn. "It will be a very unique store," international communications and PR director George...

Weruska & Joel has created a fragrance line for Juventus.(COSMOPROF)
May 2, 2008... Weruska & Joel has created a fragrance line for Juventus. Clad in the Italian football club's signature black and white, Juventus Man is a fougere watery woody scent. Juventus Woman is a floral fruity citrus green fragrance.

Kelemata has restyled its Perlier Honey brand and added treatment products.(COSMOPROF)
May 2, 2008... Kelemata has restyled its Perlier Honey brand and added treatment products. The 23 skus include bath oil, massage oil, regenerative butters, hand creams and moisturisers, all of which contain 100% organic honey from Tuscany. The next step for...

The First has created a fragrance line for accessories company Braccialini.(COSMOPROF)
May 2, 2008... The First has created a fragrance line for accessories company Braccialini. The feminine fruity floral opens with notes of apple, starfruit, watermelon and living pear. Heart notes of lotus, wisteria, waterlily, linden blossom and lily of the...

Cofinluxe showed prototypes of its new Charriol fragrances, a male and female fragrance, both in edt and edp variants to suit different markets.(COSMOPROF)
May 2, 2008... Cofinluxe showed prototypes of its new Charriol fragrances, a male and female fragrance, both in edt and edp variants to suit different markets. "It's our most premium brand and will help us build our presence," said Jean-Christophe Samyn....

Mavive unveiled Borsalino Pour Femme and a purepolice duo.(COSMOPROF)
May 2, 2008... Mavive unveiled Borsalino Pour Femme and a purepolice duo. The company plans to reposition Police in Italy as a premium brand.

Apivita shows who's Queen Bee.(COSMOPROF)
May 2, 2008... Greek company Apivita shares the same pharmacy background as compatriot Korres but has the USP of basing its products on propolis and honey along with Greek naturals that it produces itself. Apivita presented a new range called Queen Bee,...

Eurocosmesi shows sense of style.(COSMOPROF)
May 2, 2008... Italian beauty house Eurocosmesi presented Canali Style, which it plans to be the lynchpin of a prestigious fragrance line. The masculine fragrance has a higher positioning than previous Canali outings, with a heavy glass flacon braced by...

Deborah set to hit the 100m [euro] mark.(COSMOPROF)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... The leading brand in Italian drug store make-up, Deborah has just completed a makeover of its business, with new displays, fashion-focussed campaigns, upgraded collections and custom-designed packaging. And with the revamp of its Bioetyc...

Smartbrands moves into organic colour.(COSMOPROF)(smart Brands Inc.)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Canadian manufacturer Smartbrands presented its new Organik Beauty make-up range at Cosmoprof. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The range is 80% Ecocert certified and is positioned for the drugstore and mass channels, with prices ranging from...

Morris lays out Atkinsons plans.(COSMOPROF)(Morris Profumi S.P.A.)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Five months after its acquisition of Atkinsons, Morris Profumi has plans to increase its international business. "We'll focus on the I Coloniali brand," said export marketing manager Marco De Luca. "It's a big opportunity for Morris to...

Yes to Carrots stays very positive.(COSMOPROF)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... One of the most dynamic stands was manned by Yes to Carrots' enthusiastic team of 'carrot diplomats'. The personal care company launched in just 16 Israeli stores in late 2005 and is now available in 12,000 doors in 16 countries. "This is...

LVMH attempts to soothe Chinese anger.(FINANCIAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... WMH chairman Bernard Arnault has joined the row about a possible Chinese boycott of French goods as a result of high profile pro-Tibet protests following the Olympic torch's progress through Paris. Chinese nationalists are talking about...

Oriflame sales soar outside Europe.(FINANCIAL NEWS)(Financial report)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Swedish direct sales player Oriflame has revealed that sales climbed more than 20% in the last quarter and pre-tax profits rose 7% thanks to a combination of extra sales and price rises. Emerging markets continue to drive much of the growth....

Henkel remains upbeat about sales.(FINANCIAL NEWS)(appointment of Simone BageI-Trah)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Henkel says its sales should climb 4% this year despite worries about an economic slump. Henkel's prediction emerged from its recent annual general meeting. Much of the sales ballast will come from emerging markets as sales growth in the...

Beiersdorf still shopping around.(FINANCIAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Is Beiersdorf being too fussy? It's a question some might ask following a recent acknowledgement by board member Markus Pinger that decent quality acquisition targets were thin on the ground. Finding a quality company at the right price...

Kao ups forecast.(FINANCIAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Japanese household and personal care manufacturer Kao Corp says it anticipates a modest climb in operating profits this year. However, rising raw material costs and depressed consumer spending will keep any gains well reined in, it says....

South African cosmetics retailer New Clicks said its first half diluted headline eps rose over 25% with expectations of 20 to 30% year earnings growth.(FINANCIAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... South African cosmetics retailer New Clicks said its first half diluted headline eps rose over 25% with expectations of 20 to 30% year earnings growth. The company's headline EPS rose to 67.8 cents per share, while its first half turnover from...

French luxury good group PPR collected 162m [euro] in licensing royalties for its cosmetics division, YSL Beaute, which is being sold to L'Oreal.(FINANCIAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... French luxury good group PPR collected 162m [euro] in licensing royalties for its cosmetics division, YSL Beaute, which is being sold to L'Oreal. The transfer is likely to take place by June 30 pending approval from financial authorities. YSL...

French perfume house Inter Parfums reported a sales increase of 28% to 73.9m [euro] in Q1 2008.(FINANCIAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... French perfume house Inter Parfums reported a sales increase of 28% to 73.9m [euro] in Q1 2008, fuelled by the success of its recent women's scent, Burberry Beat.

Hair care company Regis Corp reported a 4% increase in sales for third quarter 2008, up from $655m in the corresponding period of 2007 to $680m.(FINANCIAL NEWS)(Financial report)
May 2, 2008... Hair care company Regis Corp reported a 4% increase in sales for third quarter 2008, up from $655m in the corresponding period of 2007 to $680m. Net income came in at $19m or $0.44 per diluted share. Earlier this year Regis merged its...

Alberto-Culver, maker of Tresemme, Alberto VO5, Nexxus and St. Ives, reported an increase of 7.7% to $412.8m for its net sales in Q2 compared to the same period last year.(FINANCIAL NEWS)(Financial report)
May 2, 2008... Alberto-Culver, maker of Tresemme, Alberto VO5, Nexxus and St. Ives, reported an increase of 7.7% to $412.8m for its net sales in Q2 compared to the same period last year. Company president and ceo V. James Marino says the increase is tied to...

Clarins' first quarter sales fall flat.(FINANCIAL NEWS)(Financial report)
May 2, 2008... First quarter 2008 sales at Clarins have hardly budged from 2007 figures. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Total sales stood at 240.1m [euro] on 31 March 2008, down a smidge on the 240.4m [euro] recorded in the same period last year. ...

M&S in new investor election clash.(FINANCIAL NEWS)(Marks and Spencer PLC appointed Stuart Rose)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Marks and Spencer's decision to promote Sir Stuart Rose from ceo of the iconic British retailer to chairman has unleashed a wave of protest from key investors. The Association of British Insurers (ABI), whose members comprise key investors...

Clariant might be next name on the block.(FINANCIAL NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Increasing consolidation in the raw materials industry has turned attention to Clariant as a possible acquisition target. Analysts say the Swiss chemicals company represents good value for money, trading at 15% below its book value....

Asian sales sparkle for Richemont.(FINANCIAL NEWS)(Financial report)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... Swiss-based luxury goods maker Richemont has reported a 16% hike to 5.3bn [euro] in its unaudited sales for the year ended 31 March. Asian sales were responsible for much of the sales climb, pushing up 21% to 1.3bn [euro]. European sales...

Shares latest.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... SHARES LATEST NAME VALUE AT VALUE AT ACTUAL 14/4/08 28/4/08 % CHANGE BIGGEST GAINERS LIMITED BRANDS $17.58 $19.37 +10.18% LVMH ...

Sunshine in a bottle.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Clarins has introduced a third treatment scent--Sunshine Fragrance (Eau Ensoleillante). Like Eau Dynamisante and Eau Ressourcante, Sunshine Fragrance combines the fragrance and skin care benefits of plants with the concepts of aromatherapy...

Sweet dreams courtesy of Prevage.(PRODUCT NEWS)(Elizabeth Arden Co.)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... A new night cream from Elizabeth Arden is said to help women get more from their beauty sleep. Prevage Anti-aging Night Cream contains antioxidant Idebenone, which reinforces the skin's natural repair process during the night. Other...

Dior sets cruise control for scents.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Dior's latest fragrance is intended to be the first in a series based on the concept of a casual cruise collection. Escale a Portofino was created by Dior's perfumer-creator Francois Demachy, who was inspired by the Italian Riviera to...

Aveda uses Green Science to fight ageing.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 2, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Aveda has developed a new skin care range and treatment programme called Green Science. The range targets skin inflammation by utilising the healing properties of plai oil, which is an antioxidant and...

Boots No7 has launched a limited edition summer make-up line that features bright and shimmering colours from the 1970s.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Boots No7 has launched a limited edition summer make-up line that features bright and shimmering colours from the 1970s. Rainbow Eye Palette and Sunkissed Eye & Bronzer Palette are both priced 11 [pounds sterling].

La Biosthetique has launched a new alcohol-free deodorant with essential oils in a roll on applicator format.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 2, 2008... La Biosthetique has launched a new alcohol-free deodorant with essential oils in a roll on applicator format. The formula reduces perspiration and gives a pleasant scent while not causing irritation. Deodorant Parfume retails at 12.95 [pounds...

Toni & Guy has developed a shampoo that is designed to slow oil production and improve the hair's texture.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Toni & Guy has developed a shampoo that is designed to slow oil production and improve the hair's texture. Label.men Daily Conditioning Shampoo contains saw palmetto to help improve texture, wasabia japonoca root extract for overall scalp...

Darphin has created two new skin care products that treat blemishes with essential oils.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 2, 2008... Darphin has created two new skin care products that treat blemishes with essential oils. Blemish Clearing Gel (27 [euro]) contains lavender, sage, geranium and niaouli essential oils as well as salicylic acid to help reduce excess oil,...

Symrise and Cutech scout for fresh opportunities.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... German fragrance supplier Symrise and Italian biotech operator Cutech have extended their biotissue collaboration into cosmetics screening services. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The two companies have set up a joint venture called SCoutech,...

Dow and Lipo introduce a new capsule collection.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... Dow Coming and Lipo Chemicals have come together to create the Engage Your Senses formulation kit. The kit is said to combine the benefits of silicones with microencapsulation technology. The formulations include Soft Vanilla Leave-in...

National Starch adds more power to organic products.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... National Starch has launched a line of certified organic biopolymers. The Navience line is suitable for almost any organic and natural product, says the company, and offers superior safety, mildness and a silky feel. Naviance Maize is...

Soft as Velvesil.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... US-based Momentive Performance Materials has developed a personal care gel to enhance the benefits of boron nitride powder. Velvesil FX is said to improve the processibility and spreadability of colour cosmetics and skin care products as...

Out of Africa.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... French actives manufacturer Silab has turned to an African plant for its latest skin care ingredient. Papilactyl D is an extract of tiger nut said to reinforce the structure of the papillary dermis and thus reinforce the skin's elasticity...

Intertek has bought fellow testing company 4-Front Research.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... Intertek has bought fellow testing company 4-Front Research. With nine locations around the world, Intertek says 4-Front will complement both its local support and global reach. Its acquisition adds clinical research studies on cosmetics, food...

The European Commission has finally laid out the fees and charges for Reach registration.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... The European Commission has finally laid out the fees and charges for Reach registration. Fees will vary from 1600 [euro] for volumes below 10 tonnes to 31,000 [euro] for materials produced in volumes above 1000 tonnes. Medium-sized companies...

Firmenich has developed a programme that translates food flavours into authentic fragrance notes.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... Firmenich has developed a programme that translates food flavours into authentic fragrance notes. Smell-The-Taste is said to help perfumes create polysensorial fragrances with recognisable notes, blurring the boundary between fragrance and...

Eastman is closing its vitamin E TPGS manufacturing plant in Wales, UK end ceasing production of the material.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... Eastman is closing its vitamin E TPGS manufacturing plant in Wales, UK end ceasing production of the material. The company says the site is no longer strategic and will close later this year with the loss of approximately 65 jobs.

Milliken Chemical says it has developed a cost-effective, high clarity packaging solution.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... Milliken Chemical says it has developed a cost-effective, high clarity packaging solution. Millad NX8000 is said to provide 50% better clarity to PP than the current industry standard, cutting the cost of pack upgrades and redesigns.

Agilex opens centre of excellence.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)(Agilix Corp.)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... US fragrance group Agilex has opened a Fragrance Center of Excellence in the New Jersey town of Piscataway. The 26,000sq ft site houses state of the art R&D, creative and analytical perfumery laboratories and odour evaluation testing...

Rexam introduces plastic jars to European market.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... Consumer packaging company Rexam its introducing its line of plastic jars to the European market. The jars are designed specifically for the beauty, personal and home care markets and are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and...

Ciba tackles yellow peril with new Xymara pigments.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... Swiss materials company Ciba has extended its Xymara pigments range to prevent yellowing effects in pearlescent plastics. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Xymara Silver Pearl XPS19 and XPS23 are said to enhance the appearance and prolong the...

Bayer disovers that five is the magic number.(TECHNOLOGY & PACKAGING)
May 2, 2008... German chemicals giant Bayer has developed a solvent and preservative-free range for the beauty industry. The Baycusan C range comprises a polyurethane (PU) powder and four solvent-free PU dispersions. PU powder Baycusan 1005 is said...

De Vetta to head up Jo Malone.(PEOPLE)
May 2, 2008... Dominic De Vetta will join Jo Malone as global general manager on 1 August. The Estee Lauder-owned company has created this new position to drive the business globally. Based in the London office, De Vetta will report to Maureen Case,...

Revlon goes for Gucci.(PEOPLE)(Revlon Inc.)(Brief article)
May 2, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Revlon has signed world famous make-up artist Gucci Westman as the brand's global artistic director. Known for her acute sense of glamour, Westman was previously international artistic director for Lancome and...

Blue Lagoon a new vp ahead of its US launch.(PEOPLE)
May 2, 2008... Icelandic skin care company Blue Lagoon has appointed Suzanne Fedorczyk to vice president of sales and education. In her new role, Fedorczyk will be responsible for the US launch of Blue Lagoon Skincare, bringing with her experience of...

Founded in 1981, Neal's Yard is regarded as a pioneer of plant-based therapies and products. Managing director Jonathan Hook tells Cosmetics International what's required to stay ahead of the game.(Q&A)(Interview)
May 2, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] How big is Neal's Yard? We have 31 stores in the UK, of which 20 are wholly-owned and 11 are franchises. We also have 12 stores in Japan and a small internet business in the US. In 2007, our turnover was 13.5m...

Diary dates.(Calendar)
May 2, 2008... DIARY DATES 6-7 MAY 2008 Venue: Dorint Praha Don Giovanni, Prague, Czech Republic SUSTAINPACK CONFERENCE Tel: +44 1372 802164 Email:...

Investindustrial buys majority stake in Selective Beauty.
May 16, 2008... Less than two years after Selective Beauty sold a 45% stake in the company to 3i, the fragrance company has fallen into the arms of another private equity group. Italy-based Investindustrial has bought a 72% stake in Selective through its...

Rimmel to keep Moss and add new faces.(Kate Moss)(Brief article)
May 16, 2008... Rimmel has flatly denied reports in the UK Sunday press that it has signed up singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor to replace Kate Moss as its figurehead. Other names in the frame--also denied--are Bond actress Gemma Arterton and television...

PPR and L'Oreal finalise acquisition agreement.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 16, 2008... PPR and L'Oreal have finalised the terms of the YSL Beaute licensing agreements and the sale of the company following L'Oreal's 1.15bn [euro] offer for the brand in January. The transfer is scheduled to take place at the end of June after...

Lancome pre-empts Thurman in lawsuit.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 16, 2008... A legal wrangle between L'Oreal brand Lancome and actress Uma Thurman has ended up in the Manhattan Supreme Court. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] First, Lancome filed a motion that called for Thurman's reported claim of $1m for unauthorised...

Parlux goes undercover with Natori fragrance licence deal.(INTERNATIONAL NEWS)
May 16, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] US fragrance company Parlux has signed a perfume licence with lingerie company Natori. The worldwide licence will see the launch of the first Natori fragrance in September 2009 in the US, followed by an...