Two American businesses acquired two British multichannel merchants in recent deals that received relatively little play on this side of the Atlantic.
Cosmetics powerhouse Avon acquired Liz Earle Beauty Co., a manufacturer/marketer of “naturally active” skincare products. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Liz Earle currently sells its products online, via catalog, on QVC, and in a few stores. According to Avon, the Liz Earle line complements Avon’s existing antiaging skincare range and could eventually be sold by personal representatives the same way that Avon products are primarily sold.
Also, private equity firm TA Associates agreed to buy a 60% stake of Cath Kidston, which sells vintage-inspired fabrics, housewares, and apparel, for roughly £100 million ($150 million). Cath Kidston sells via the web, three dozen stores, and a magalog. TA’s portfolio already includes UK direct marketer M & M Direct, which sells discounted clothing, and US outdoor gear cataloger/retailer Eastern Mountain Sports.
