Leading European retailer Carrefour and Alliance Boots, an international, pharmacy-led health and beauty group, have concluded a long term cooperation agreement in the beauty category.

This cooperation will leverage the scale and geographical presence of Carrefour and the advanced beauty knowledge of the Boots contract manufacturing business (BCM) to build one of the core pillars of Carrefour – the beauty category. Carrefour and Boots will also explore healthcare partnership possibilities in emerging geographies with a vision to further strengthening their cooperation.

Under the terms of the deal, Boots will take versions of its cosmetics, hair care, bathing and skin care products, among others, and produce these for the French retail giant. The goods made by Boots will be sold under the Carrefour brand. Boots’ successful No. 7 cosmetic brand will be excluded from the deal.

Lars Olofsson, Carrefour’s CEO, states, “This new partnership with Boots is a major step forward for Carrefour. It will allow us to make a quantum leap in the beauty category. This partnership will significantly enhance Carrefour’s attractiveness in a key category and should be a major contributor to become the preferred retailer.”

Alex Gourlay, chief executive, Health & Beauty Division, Alliance Boots, adds, “We are delighted to have established this partnership in beauty care between Carrefour and our company. As we investigate healthcare possibilities together in emerging markets, we look forward to creating more opportunities for both organizations.”