Brazil's Natura Cosmeticos Completes Acquisition of 65% Stake in Australia's Aesop for $68.25 Million

    By Rogerio Jelmayer

    SAO PAULO--Brazilian cosmetics company Natura Cosmeticos SA (NATU3.BR) on Friday said it completed the acquisition of a 65% stake in Australian high-end beauty-product retailer Emeis Holdings for $68.25 million, expanding its international presence.

    In December, when Natura announced the deal to acquire Emeis it said that the acquisition would total $71.6 million. It did not unveil the reason for the difference in the value paid now.


    Natura already has operations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Mexico and Colombia.

    Natura sells cosmetics and fragrances door to door in Latin America and is market leader in Brazil, the world's second-largest beauty market, according to market researcher Euromonitor International. But it doesn't have a significant presence elsewhere.

    Aesop, based in Melbourne, operates more than 60 stores in 11 countries. It has locations in such areas as New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Aesop has opened 14 stores this year.

    Natura also sells door-to-door in Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia. It is the world's fourth-largest direct seller by market share, behind Avon Products Inc. (AVP), Amway Corp. and Japan Consumers Cooperative Union, according to Euromonitor.

    Write to Rogerio Jelmayer at