Editors' top reads: News from D.S. & Durga, The Body Shop, Sol de Janeiro and more...

Here are some of this week’s news highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.

D.S. & Durga acquired by Manzanita Capital as it eyes UK growth opportunities

I was over the moon to see that Brooklyn stalwart D.S. & Durga, founded by David Seth Moltz and Kavi Ahuja Moltz, had been acquired by Manzanita Capital, the group behind fragrance leader Diptyque.

I’m excited to see if this brand will follow in the footsteps of Byredo, which also had the Manzanita glitter sprinkled on it and went on to become the must-have fragrance brand of every cool kid. However, the thing I’m most excited to see is D.S. & Durga’s awareness level increase, as I’m sad to say, I feel Byredo’s seems to have lessened since the Puig acquisition, but then I guess all brands become part of the furniture at some point in their life and can’t remain cult forever. I’m watching closely (whilst in a cloud Debaser!).

Antony Hawman, Co-founder & Chief Partnerships Officer.

The Body Shop offloads part of its international business following Aurelius takeover

The Body Shop has decided to sell parts its business in mainland Europe and Asia under the new ownership of private equity firm Aurelius.

Although this will not affect its UK operations, the move signals an overhaul by Aurelius as it looks to create a "modern and dynamic" beauty brand that is relevant to customers and able to compete in the long term. It's not been easy for The Body Shop in recent years, with declining sales over various quarters. So, it will be interesting to see how Aurelius's strategy for the business will continue to develop.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Molton Brown targets Asia as it accelerates global growth strategy

Molton Brown is one of those brands that I think is now taken a bit for granted in its home market (i.e. the UK) and the number of frankly shameless rip-offs out there have probably dented its appeal for some. This is a shame because Molton Brown is very good. It has been a trailblazer in the fragrance, bath and body market and its stores remain a pleasure to visit. For me, Heavenly Gingerlily is one of those fragrances I will always hold dear. (In the 2000s, it used to do a version that delivered a shimmery gold sheen to the skin, which was wonderful for summer, and I miss it to this day).

Anyway, if it's under-appreciated by some over here, over "there" and, especially in Asia, they are loving it. After a successful move into Malaysia, Molton Brown's parent company Kao now has big plans for the brand across Asia. Happily though its global expansion also includes growth in Europe, the US and, yes, the UK! Read all about it here (and go visit a store and remind yourself what a nice brand this is!).

Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.

Sol de Janeiro’s 200% growth boosts L’Occitane’s quarterly results

L’Occitane Group has a portfolio including L’Occitane en Provence, Elemis and more. However, one brand in particular has outshone the rest - Sol de Janeiro. The skincare brand, renowned for its Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, helped to boost the group's revenues by 24.8% during the fourth quarter ending 31 December 2023.

The group maintained solid sales momentum in the nine months ending 31 December, with net sales reaching £1,638 million (€1,915 million). This represents 18.9% growth at reported rates and 24.8% growth at constant rates.

As part of this, Sol de Janeiro maintained its sales momentum with growth of 199.1%. A viral boom on TikTok coupled with the launch of its new Delicia Drench Body Butter, saw the brand report a "record-breaking" holiday season.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.