Unilever continues to beef up its prestige personal care holdings, most recently acquiring REN Skincare, known as an iconic British skincare brand. Created in 2000 by Antony Buck and Robert Calcraft, REN pioneered what is called “a new type of high performance skincare.” REN’s combination of effectiveness, naturalness and pleasurable experience – referred to as “performance, purity and pleasure” – gives the brand a distinctive global market position. The multi-award winning brand is sold in 50 countries and has built a loyal consumer base. The range is sold predominantly in specialty stores and pharmacies.
 
Vasiliki Petrou, Unilever SVP prestige brands, says: “We are delighted to be adding REN to the Unilever portfolio of personal care brands. It is a brand with an incredibly loyal following, with a unique proposition that no doubt gives it potential for even further growth, especially given that the naturals category is one of the fastest growing in skincare globally. Its premium positioning complements well our existing portfolio.”
 
Antony Buck, REN CEO, adds: “It’s been an amazing experience creating and building REN over the last 15 years but it’s time for the brand to go to the next level. Unilever is a great company with great principles; it has a profound understanding of brands and global reach; it makes the perfect partner to help REN fulfill its future potential worldwide. We can’t wait to get started!”
 
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in May 2015, subject to customary regulatory approvals.