Groupe Rocher announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Arbonne International and Nature’s Gate, two brands under the holding company Natural Products Group (NPG).
WHO: Arbonne was founded in Switzerland in 1975 by Petter Mørck and brought to the US in 1980. The brand is the result of the founder’s vision to develop botanically based skincare, cosmetics, and nutrition products that are better for both consumers and the planet, while also providing an opportunity for people to become financially independent by joining a direct selling network.
The Groupe Rocher is an independent family-run group with a philosophy of “creative entrepreneurship.” Groupe Rocher sales from nine brands dedicated to women’s beauty and well-being—Yves Rocher, Petit Bateau, Stanhome, Dr. Pierre Ricaud, Daniel Jouvance, Kiotis, ID Parfums, Flormar, and Sabon—amounted to more than €2 billion in 2017.
WHY: Groupe Rocher and Arbonne have many things in common: the concept of robust brands that share real values, high-quality and innovative standards, a wide range of natural products, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Arbonne expects to be able to benefit from the resources and expertise offered by Groupe Rocher’s network of consumers, suppliers, and partners. A recent investment in the digitization of the direct selling network will allow Arbonne to help Groupe Rocher enhance the direct selling model.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Bris Rocher, CEO of Groupe Rocher, stated in a release: “This acquisition will be a real asset that will enable us to strengthen our positioning in the direct selling channel, which has seen an upturn over the past few years. We also have a heritage of providing employment opportunities—dating back to my grandfather, our founder, Yves Rocher, who cared deeply about providing employment since he started his business. This, combined with our direct selling know-how, should foster company growth and longevity.”
Said Kay Zanotti, CEO of Arbonne: “We share with Groupe Rocher commitments to pure, botanically based products and sustainability, as well as a long-term business vision that is grounded in family values. We are particularly pleased with Groupe Rocher’s keen appreciation of the many benefits of the direct selling model in providing flexible income opportunities, and a positive community of professional growth for individuals.”
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