Collapsed cosmetic chains Sk:n and The Harley Medical Group acquired by Lorena Cosmetics

Cosmetic surgery chains Sk:n and The Harley Medical Group have been acquired and relaunched by Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV, following their collapse earlier this year.

The new acquisition is part of a broader strategic consolidation that also includes The Skin Experts and ABC Medical, which now join ophthalmology providers Optical Express under the Lorena Investments group portfolio.

David Moulsdale, Chairman and CEO of Lorena Cosmetics, said: "The acquisition and integration of Sk:n and THMG into the Lorena portfolio reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class patient care, regulatory excellence, and innovative treatment solutions.

"By leveraging our almost 35 years of healthcare expertise, we aim to elevate the Sk:n and THMG brands, helping to ensure every patient receives exceptional, medically-led, clinician delivered care in state of the art facilities. "

The Strategy

Recognising the challenges left by the Sk:n and The Harley Medical Group liquidation earlier this year, Lorena Cosmetics is focused on re-establishing consumer confidence through a "robust" operational infrastructure.

This includes re-employing around 150 former employees and forming relationships with expert clinicians, including dermatologists, aesthetic doctors, and plastic surgeons.

Over half of the re-opened Sk:n clinics have also already benefitted from moving to upgraded premises within existing Optical Express clinics, helping to ensure compliance with stringent industry regulations.

Additional Sk:n and The Harley Medical Group services will launch at further UK locations throughout 2025.

By aligning Sk:n and The Harley Medical Group with Optical Express and additional healthcare brands under the Lorena Cosmetics Group, patients will also benefit from a more comprehensive suite of healthcare services next year.

As part of this, Sk:n will introduce an expanded range of treatments and technologies, including advanced dermatology services, new aesthetic treatments like polynucleotide injectables, and the addition of premium skincare products.

The news comes after The Skin Group, including Sk:n Clinics, The Harley Medical Group, Skin Brands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical, collapsed in July.

At the time, a statement said the company had "undertaken an extensive process to secure investment to enable it to continue trading but sadly we’ve been unsuccessful".

Former Sk:n and The Harley Medical Group patients are now being offered support on an individual basis, such as working to secure refunds through their credit card and banking provider.

Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director of Lorena Cosmetics, said: "We are acutely aware of the impact the previous business liquidation had on patients, employees and suppliers alike.

"As a patient-centric business already delivering care to stringent regulations and the highest standards of service, we are committed to rebuilding consumer trust by implementing a robust business infrastructure and support for patients affected by the previous closure to ensure they receive the best possible care moving forward.

"For us, patient care is at the centre of everything we do, and our teams are actively reviewing each individual case, providing support where possible to previous sk:n and THMG patients.

"Our aim is to connect with all adected patients to provide clear next steps and encourage them to come back and be served by their previously chosen practitioner."