L'Oréal Reportedly Targets Armani Beauty Stake in Planned 15% Sale

L'Oréal is interested exclusively in acquiring the beauty segment of Giorgio Armani SpA, as designated in the late designer's will, which instructs a sale of a 15% stake to be completed within 18 months. Alongside L'Oréal, LVMH and EssilorLuxottica are also preferred bidders, with the buyer having the option to increase their stake to a majority after three years. Armani's beauty license is a lucrative part of the business, generating approximately €1.5 billion in revenue, representing a significant portion of L'Oréal's luxury division sales. L'Oréal's focus on the beauty arm aligns with its core strategy and existing licensing partnership with Armani for fragrances and cosmetics through 2050. The broader Armani empire includes fashion, interior decoration, eyewear, and watches, but L'Oréal aims only at the profitable beauty segment. This potential acquisition fits L'Oréal's history of strategic investments in beauty brands and its strong global market presence.