Cosmopolitan Cosmetics, the cosmetics and fragrance subsidiary of Wella AG, announced today that it has taken over the brand rights and business operations of Atkinsons from Lever Fabergé S.r.l., a subsidiary of Unilever Italia S.p.A., for a sum of � 44 million.
With the acquisition of Atkinsons, Cosmopolitan Cosmetics further expands its Luxury Toiletries segment which currently consists of 4711 and Yardley. Successful brands under licence to Cosmopolitan Cosmetics include, among others, Dunhill, Escada, Gucci Parfums, Trussardi, Montblanc and Rochas as well as fragrances by Puma, Mexx, Naomi Campbell and Gabriela Sabatini.
Atkinsons is one of the leading fragrance and cosmetics companies in Italy. With its upper price segment products primarily distributed through perfumeries, the Milan-based company achieved sales of � 36.3 million in 2001.
I Coloniali, which accounts for nearly 50 % of sales, is the best-known and most important Atkinsons brand. The range includes fragrances as well as bath and skin care products.
Heiner G�rtler, CEO of Wella AG, comments: “The acquisition of the Atkinsons business is an excellent addition to the highly profitable Luxury Toiletries segment of Cosmopolitan Cosmetics. Furthermore, the international infrastructure of Cosmopolitan Cosmetics offers growth potential for Atkinsons in other regions of the world.”
