Medik8 Secures L'Oréal Acquisition Deal
Deal News | Jun 11, 2025 | Taylor Wessing
In an acquisition orchestrated by international law firm Taylor Wessing, French cosmetics giant L'Oréal has acquired a majority stake in the premium British skincare brand Medik8. This strategic investment is expected to strengthen Medik8's presence in existing markets and accelerate its global expansion. Inflexion, the European mid-market private equity firm that has overseen substantial growth for Medik8 over the past four years, will retain a minority shareholding, ensuring their participation in the company's future trajectory. Established in 2009 by British scientist Elliot Isaacs, Medik8 is known for its high-quality active skincare products developed at its UK Innovation Centre. Through meticulous legal counsel provided by multiple partners and associates at Taylor Wessing, including Jonny Bethell, the transaction marks a significant milestone in the brand's growth. The acquisition underscores L’Oréal’s strategy to expand its skincare portfolio by acquiring innovative brands poised for international scaling.
Sectors
- Skincare & Cosmetics
- Private Equity
- Legal Advisory
Geography
- United Kingdom – Medik8 is a British skincare brand with products formulated and manufactured at its UK Innovation Centre.
- France – L'Oréal, the acquiring company, is headquartered in France, illustrating cross-border M&A activity.
Industry
- Skincare & Cosmetics – This acquisition pertains to the skincare & cosmetics sector, with Medik8 being a premium skincare brand and L’Oréal being a major player in the global cosmetics industry.
- Private Equity – Inflexion, a private equity firm, was a significant player in facilitating Medik8's growth over the past four years and retains a minority shareholding post-acquisition.
- Legal Advisory – Taylor Wessing provided comprehensive legal counsel for the transaction, highlighting the role of legal advisory in M&A activities.
Financials
- Not Disclosed – The specific financial terms of the acquisition deal between L'Oréal and Medik8 were not disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medik8 | Target Company | Company | A British premium skincare brand founded by Elliot Isaacs, offering high-quality clinical skincare products. |
| L'Oréal | Bidding Company | Company | A leading global cosmetics company based in France acquiring a majority stake in Medik8. |
| Inflexion | Selling Company | Company | A European mid-market private equity firm retaining a minority shareholding in Medik8 post-transaction. |
| Taylor Wessing | Legal Advisor | Company | An international law firm advising Medik8 and Inflexion on the acquisition by L'Oréal. |