The Estée Lauder Acquired TOM FORD Brand
United States: In April 2023, The Estée
Lauder Companies Inc. announced that it had completed its acquisition of the
TOM FORD brand and is now the sole owner of the brand along with all of its intellectual
property. The transaction values the business as a whole at USD2.8 billion. ELC
made its final payment of almost USD2.25 billion. This sum was financed by
cash, proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper, USD250 million from
Marcolin, and other sources. Beginning in July 2025, ELC's deferred payments to
the sellers amounting to an additional USD300 million become due. The remainder
of the total enterprise valuation is reflected in the acquisition of TOM FORD
FASHION by Zegna Group.
The stewardship of ELC and its licenses with
Marcolin Group and Ermenegildo Zegna N.V. (NYSE: ZGN) ("Zegna Group")
allow the TOM FORD brand to continue to develop as one of the leading
international luxury brands of the twenty-first century. The advantages of the
ELC include safeguarding the fast-rising TOM FORD BEAUTY brand's long-term cash
flow beyond the current license's expiration in 2030, ceasing to pay royalty
fees on beauty products upon closing, as well as new licensing revenue streams
and other anticipated synergies. These synergies include rising internet
penetration, improved speed and agility, and creative oversight. Under the
agreement, Tom Ford, the founder, and CEO of Tom Ford International, will
continue to lead the brand's creative vision. The chairman of Tom Ford
International, Domenico De Sole, will continue in his role as a consultant
until that time.
Although the prestige
of Tom Ford's beauty division, which includes distinctive fragrances, skincare,
and cosmetics, acted as the acquisition's driving force, the agreement also
brings eyeglasses and fashion to Estee Lauder. For the fiscal year of Estée
Lauder Companies that ended on June 30, 2022, Tom Ford Beauty saw net sales
increase by about 25%. Over the next few years, the business anticipates that
the brand will generate annual net sales of USD1 billion. The business
anticipated that this strategic acquisition would open up opportunities and
strengthen its growth strategies for Tom Ford Beauty. Additionally, it will
promote the long-term growth of the dynamic industry of luxury beauty.