A&O Shearman is proud to announce its role advising L'Oréal Groupe on its acquisition of a majority stake in the British premium skincare brand Medik8. As part of the transaction, Inflexion, a leading European mid-market private equity firm, will remain a minority shareholder. The founder will continue to serve on the board, with the current management committee also remaining in place to ensure continuity.
Founded by Elliot Isaacs, Medik8 is best known for its iconic Crystal Retinal serum and its trademark CSA Philosophy©: Vitamin C and Sunscreen by Day, Vitamin A by night. Driven by scientific research and innovation, the brand offers ingredient-led premium skincare to deliver "results without compromise." Still true to its professional origins, the brand has also evolved towards a diversified omni-channel sales mix across the most prominent online and offline retailers in Europe, with a growing presence in the U.S.
This acquisition further strengthens L'Oréal's Luxe portfolio, adding a premium, science-backed skincare brand with a proven track record of success and strong potential for global growth. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, is expected to complete in the next few months. As part of the agreement, L'Oréal has also secured rights to buyout in full the minority shareholders.
This transaction highlights A&O Shearman's position as a global leader in consumer M&A, following recent high-profile mandates across the sector.
The L'Oréal legal team was led by Arnaud de Rochebrune, general counsel M&A, Financing and Licenses, and Guillaume Regnier, associate general counsel M&A.
The A&O Shearman team was led by M&A partners Matthew Appleton and Aoife McDermott supported by senior associate Antony Dean, associates Arabella Robinson and Toluwa Agboola, and trainee Asfia Mohsin.
Incentives advice was provided by partner Mahesh Varia with support from associate Betty Lorimer. Tax advice was provided by partners Lydia Challen and Guillaume Valois, with senior associate Charlotte Signol and associate Geraldine Chan across our London and Paris offices. Antitrust advice was provided by partner Thomas Masterman and senior associate Lindsay Morison in London and partner Elaine Johnston with associates Kiko Demetriou and Regina Loureiro in New York and Washington D.C.