The Estée Lauder Companies and Forest Essentials to Enter a New Chapter in Their Long-Term Partnership

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) announced today that it has entered into an agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials, the Indian beauty brand grounded in the science of modern Luxurious Ayurveda. Building on a trusted 18-year partnership, this milestone celebrates The Estée Lauder Companies’ long-term commitment to nurturing and growing this extraordinary Indian brand and to expanding its consumer reach globally. Today’s announcement reflects the company’s strong confidence in Forest Essentials’ highly trusted brand equity, its vertically integrated capabilities, and its sustainability ethos. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2026 and follows The Estée Lauder Companies’ minority investment in Forest Essentials, initially made in 2008 and increased to 49% in 2020.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304943103/en/

Forest Essentials

Founded in 2000 by visionary entrepreneur Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials represents the soul and artistry of Indian beauty. The brand has redefined modern Luxurious Ayurveda for today’s world, transforming time-honored beauty rituals into exquisitely crafted formulations, immersive retail experiences with nearly 200 freestanding stores, and sensorial indulgences rooted in purity and craftsmanship. Its uncompromising commitment to authenticity has resonated deeply with consumers, establishing it as the top-ranked brand in prestige Skin Care in India¹. The brand, which is forecasted to grow net sales low double digits, combined with The Estée Lauder Companies’ existing brand portfolio will make India the company’s largest emerging market. With this acquisition, The Estée Lauder Companies is well-positioned to gain prestige beauty share in one of the most dynamic beauty markets in the world.

Under the continued guidance and direction of Mrs. Kulkarni and her son, Executive Director Samrath Bedi, Forest Essentials will remain headquartered in New Delhi. The brand will maintain its fully integrated operational ecosystem in India, spanning Research & Development that is grounded in Ayurveda, responsible and local botanical sourcing, and in-house manufacturing. This Indian end-to-end model will continue to enable the brand to innovate with integrity, uphold exceptional quality, reduce its environmental impact, and continue cultivating enduring consumer trust.