Même, the first dermocosmetic brand for patients experiencing the side effects of cancer treatments, was acquired by Pierre Fabre, the second-largest private French pharmaceutical group.
WHO: Même was launched in 2017 by Judith Levy Keller and Juliette Couturier as a dermocosmetics line formulated specifically for women with sensitive skin due to cancer treatments, following the painful personal experiences of the co-founders. The skin, scalp, and nail care range was developed in collaboration with oncologists and dermatologists to address the side effects of cancer treatments. The efficacy of the products has also led to strong demand from pharmacists. The range of 46 products is distributed in 4,800 pharmacies, drugstores, and committed retailers in France and 10 other countries.
Pierre Fabre is the second-largest dermocosmetics laboratory in the world, the second-largest private French pharmaceutical group, and the market leader in France for products sold over the counter in pharmacies. Its portfolio includes several medical franchises and international brands including Pierre Fabre Oncology, Pierre Fabre Dermatology, Eau Thermale Avène, Klorane, Ducray, René Furterer, A-Derma, Naturactive, and Pierre Fabre Oral Care. Pierre Fabre is 86% owned by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, a government-recognized public-interest foundation, and secondarily by its own employees through an international employee stock ownership plan.
WHY: The acquisition of Même by Pierre Fabre signals the continuation of the commercial partnership signed in December 2017. For three years, the sales network of the Eau Thermale Avène brand introduced the philosophy and products of Même in pharmacies and drugstores.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Judith Levy Keller and Juliette Couturier, co-founders of Même, said, "We are very proud and highly enthusiastic to announce that Même has joined the Pierre Fabre family, whom we know well, as the group has been a shareholder and partner of our company for over 5 years. With the Pierre Fabre teams, we will be able to develop excellent synergies to accelerate our development, particularly on the international front, and turn our dream into reality: making Même accessible to those who need it, everywhere in the world and for many years to come. This beautiful adventure continues to unfold, and we are convinced that together we can go even further."
Frédéric Ennabli, CEO of Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetics, shared, "Même is the ideal addition to our brand portfolio. As the reference brand for skin damaged by cancer treatments, Même is a perfect fit with Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetics' mission to provide solutions for skin conditions and improve the lives of patients and consumers. Même is an ally for women and men living with and fighting cancer. It’s a very positive vision of skin care. This precious patient support approach, fully in tune with our values, will be further promoted and developed at Pierre Fabre."
Camille Kriebitzsch, co-founder and Partner at Eutopia, said, "We have supported Même from the start with the Otium Consumer fund, and are extremely proud of the journey accomplished by its two co-founders and their team. Même is very representative of our 'good for you, good for the planet, good for society' investment thesis and what we do best. Seeing the brand join a group with common commitments and values, to write a new page in its history, is the best illustration of this."
Eric Ducournau, CEO of the Pierre Fabre Group, said, "Through this acquisition, we confirm our strategy of investing in innovative brands and products in our priority areas of oncology, dermatology and dermo-cosmetics. Through its positioning, Même is at the very crossroads of these 3 strategic priorities. When I first met Judith and Juliette 5 years ago, I realized very quickly that we shared common values and that their project had strong development potential. We will now continue to write this meaningful story together in service to those affected by cancer."
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