- Music
- 29 Jun 16
NUDE Skincare, the company founded by Ail Hewson, wife of U2's frontman Bono, has been acquired by the US industry leader
NUDE Skincare, the line of natural beauty products founded by Ali Hewson, has been bought by Beautycounter. Under the terms of the deal, Ali will become a board member of Beautycounter and Bono will become an investor in the enlarged organisation.
NUDE was started in 2007 by the Dublin-born businesswoman and activist, who is also the wife of U2's frontman Bono (they are pictured together above). The company has enjoyed considerable success in an industry which has seen demand for non-toxic and organic ingredients soar in recent times.
NUDE was bought in 2011 by LVMY Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, but has not made the anticipated progress under that corporate umbrella. The link with Beautycounter represents a fresh opportunity for the brand.
Through its Beauty Without standards, it has earned considerable international recognition. Now, its new owners will hope that its global profile – along with that of its new board member and investor – will help drive Beautycounter to new heights. The company is forecasting revenues of $225 million in 2017.
The Californian company is recognised as being among the leaders in the burgeoning industry, and partnerships with major American retailers including J. Crew and Target have seen them corner a significant share of the market in the US.
“We just realised we had a shared philosophy," said Gregg Renfrew, Chief Executive of the US giant. "This was an opportunity to take a leadership position in the sector.”
Ali Hewson echoed that enthusiasm, commenting: “In Beautycounter, we found our company’s soul mate.”
EDUN, the sustainable fashion label founded by Ali is still owned by LVMH.
The financial details of the new deal have not been disclosed.