British beauty brand Margaret Dabbs London sells a minority stake to Best World International with the potential of acquiring 100% of the business.

WHO: Margaret Dabbs London was founded in 2004 and is globally recognized for luxury results-driven feet, hands, and leg products and services. In 2007 the brand was approached by Harrods to open a clinic on the fifth floor of the London flagship. Since then Margaret Dabbs London has established a total of nine clinics throughout the UK, and four internationally in the Middle East and Spain. The product range initially made for use in the clinics is available in retailers including Liberty, Harrods, John Lewis, and SpaceNK in the UK.

Founded in 1990, Best World International (BWI) is a Singapore-based company specializing in the development and distribution of premium skincare, personal care, nutritional, and wellness products. After listing on the Singapore Exchange in July 2004, Best World has grown to become a key regional player, having entered into 12 markets in Asia and the Middle East.

WHY: The transaction will help Margaret Dabbs London build its global presence and target the fast-growing global cosmeceuticals market.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Singapore-headquartered Best World, which distributes beauty, skincare, and wellness products, said, “constantly seeking opportunities to expand its geographical reach and product offerings” was part of the group’s growth strategy. “The proposed acquisition will provide the group with a premium beauty brand specialist established in the United Kingdom and Europe.”

DETAILS:

• The purchase agreement with the three shareholders Margaret Dabbs, Ian Richardson, and Jonathan Day includes a put and call option agreement and a shareholders’ agreement with Ms. Dabbs and Mr. Richardson.
• BWI acquired a 49.9% stake for about £13.9 million ($24.6 million) in cash, to be funded with internal resources, under the deal’s first tranche.
• For the second tranche, Ms. Dabbs and Mr. Richardson may sell and Best World may buy any amount of the remaining 50.1% interest, comprising 348 shares or 30% held by Ms. Dabbs and 233 shares or 20.1% held by Mr. Richardson, by exercising put and/or call options.
• The option price per share will be computed based on 13.7 times of the target group’s EBITDA.
• According to The News Market, Margaret Dabbs London made £7.7 million in revenue and £1.8 million EBITDA for the year ending 31 December 2019.
• Cavendish Corporate Finance advised Margaret Dabbs London on the transaction.