Natura &Co and Avon join forces to create a Direct-to-Consumer global beauty leader

SÃO PAULO and LONDON, May 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura &Co (B3: NATU3) announces that it is acquiring Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) in an all-share transaction, creating the fourth-largest pure-play beauty group in the world and a major force for good in the industry.

The combination creates a best-in-class multi-brand and multi-channel beauty group, with direct connections to consumers on a daily basis. The group will hold leading positions in relationship selling through Avon´s and Natura's over 6.3 million Consultants and Representatives, a global footprint through 3,200 stores, as well as an expanded digital presence across all companies. The combined Group is expected to have annual gross revenues of over US$10 billion, over 40,000 associates and be present in 100 countries.

Leveraging its iconic brands, common passion for relationships, and its omnichannel capabilities, the expanded group will bring beauty to over 200 million consumers across the world, anytime, anywhere, every day. By adding Avon to a portfolio that already includes Natura, The Body Shop and Aesop, Natura &Co will enhance its ability to better serve its different consumer profiles and distribution channels and expand into new geographies.

Avon and Natura were both founded by mission-driven individuals, reaching customers through a force of independent, primarily female micro-entrepreneurs, who act as brand ambassadors and beauty advisors. Avon is an iconic brand with a heritage of over 130 years and is the world's leading relationship selling beauty platform. Its strong brands across key beauty categories and competitive positions in a number of markets give it significant potential for future growth.

Natura &Co expects the combination to result in target synergies estimated at US$150 million to US$250 million annually, some of which will be reinvested to further enhance capabilities in digital and social selling, research & development and brand initiatives and to continue to grow the Group's geographic footprint.

Luiz Seabra, Co-Founder of Natura, declared: "We have always looked at Avon with respect and admiration. Natura was founded on its passion for beauty and relationships, and today's transaction creates a major force in the direct-to-consumer space. Direct selling was a social network before the word even existed, and the arrival of technology and globalization only multiplied opportunities to connect with consumers in a meaningful way. The peer-to-peer sales model is evolving towards social selling and the power of digital allows the group to go beyond providing products and advice, and advances women empowerment, through financial independence and enhanced self-esteem.  We believe that business can be a force for good and together with Avon, we will amplify our pioneering efforts to bring social, environmental and economic value to an ever-expanding network."