Unilever has acquired prestige skin care brand Kate Somerville Skincare.
The acquisition appears to confirm a change of direction for Unilever; earlier this year the company boosted its prestige skin care portfolio with the acquisition of REN.
A US brand, Kate Somerville's products are well known for their innovative formulations, which include Active Balance Technology and active ingredients with natural botanicals.
Vasiliki Petrou, Unilever SVP Prestige Brands, said: “We are excited to be adding Kate Somerville to the Unilever Prestige personal care portfolio. The most photographed faces in Hollywood trust Kate Somerville Skincare for its high quality ingredients, proven results and touch of glamour. It is a highly differentiated brand that is well placed in the dermocosmetic segment of the skin care category.”
The brand is currently distributed through prestige retailers in the US and is said to have a growing footprint in Asia.
Petrou added: “In recent years Kate Somerville Skincare has also made inroads into the fast growing Asian market, with successful launches in several countries across the region. We believe it has exciting growth potential and look forward to bringing its breakthrough products to new markets. Its premium positioning effectively complements our existing portfolio."
Founder Kate Somerville said: “I’m extremely proud of everything we’ve accomplished to make Kate Somerville Skincare into the company it is today. Our treatments such as Exfolikate and Dermal Quench have become tried-and-true customer favourites. Unilever shares our commitment to quality, innovation and bringing consumers the best possible products. Its scale and long history building iconic brands makes Unilever the perfect partner in the next stage of our journey and I’m confident it will take Kate Somerville Skincare to even greater heights.”