Who Bought Kylie Cosmetics
The company behind Kylie Cosmetics was acquired by Coty Inc., a global beauty conglomerate, in a deal first announced in November 2019. The transaction was structured as a majority acquisition, giving Coty control of a significant stake in Kylie Cosmetics and its related brands. The deal was part of a broader strategy by Coty to expand its portfolio in the prestige and mass beauty segments, particularly in color cosmetics and skincare. Coty's leadership framed the acquisition as a way to gain access to a digitally native beauty brand with a strong social media following and a loyal customer base. The transaction was executed through a combination of cash and equity, with Coty paying an initial amount for a controlling interest. The deal was later adjusted as part of a restructuring, with Coty reducing its stake in a subsequent transaction. Details of the final ownership split and the exact cash consideration have been disclosed in regulatory filings and investor presentations available on the Coty investor relations website. For a full breakdown of the transaction structure and the final ownership percentage held by Coty, you can refer to the official Coty Inc. investor relations page at Coty Inc. Investor Relations.
Sale Price and Financial Terms of the Kylie Cosmetics Deal
The initial reported value of the Kylie Cosmetics acquisition was around $600 million for a majority stake, though the final economic terms were later modified. As part of the restructuring, Coty sold a portion of its stake back to the company's founders, reducing its overall investment. The revised deal structure involved Coty retaining a minority stake while the original founders regained a larger share of the business. The financial terms of the revised agreement were not fully disclosed, but analyst reports and SEC filings provided estimates of the final cash and equity exchanged. The transaction was notable for its rapid execution and for highlighting the valuation of direct-to-consumer beauty brands in the late 2010s. The deal also included earn-out provisions and performance-based incentives tied to revenue targets and brand growth metrics. Coty's balance sheet and earnings reports in the years following the acquisition reflected the impact of the Kylie Cosmetics stake on its overall portfolio value. For the most current financial details, including the latest stake valuation and any subsequent divestitures, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR database contains the relevant filings at SEC EDGAR Filings.
Current Ownership and Brand Status After the Sale
Who Owns Kylie Cosmetics Now
Following the restructuring, Kylie Jenner and her family retained a meaningful ownership interest in the business, while Coty holds a minority position. The brand continues to operate under the Kylie Cosmetics name, with product development and marketing managed by the original team. The company's product line, which includes lip kits, eyeshadow palettes, and skincare items, remains available through its official website and major retailers. The brand's social media presence and influencer-driven marketing strategy have continued to drive consumer engagement and sales. Coty's portfolio now includes a diverse range of beauty brands, and the Kylie Cosmetics stake represents one component of its broader luxury and mass-market divisions. The company's latest annual reports and brand rankings provide insight into the performance of the beauty segment and the contribution of digitally native brands like Kylie Cosmetics. For the most recent ownership data and brand performance metrics, the Forbes coverage of beauty industry M&A and brand valuations at Forbes offers updated analysis and rankings.
Impact on the Beauty Industry and Future Outlook
The acquisition and subsequent restructuring of Kylie Cosmetics have influenced how investors value direct-to-consumer beauty startups. The deal demonstrated the potential for rapid brand building through social media and celebrity influence, but also highlighted the challenges of scaling such businesses profitably. Coty's experience with the stake has informed its approach to acquiring and integrating digital-first beauty brands. The company has since focused