Olyos Group Acquires Somatoline Brand

Olyos Group, a prominent French player in natural health and dermo-cosmetics, has significantly expanded its market presence by acquiring the esteemed Italian brand Somatoline. This strategic move, backed by private equity firm Motion Equity Partners, integrates a well-established name in the pharmacy dermo-cosmetics sector into Olyos's growing portfolio. The transaction marks a pivotal step in Olyos's ambition to become a leader in integrated health and beauty solutions.

Somatoline, a brand with roots tracing back to 1973, commands a strong reputation for its over-the-counter products, cosmetics, and health supplements. It holds the leading position within Italian pharmacies for slimming and premium body care categories. The brand's extensive distribution network spans over 3,600 pharmacies in Italy, alongside significant reach in France, Spain, Belgium, Greece, and Switzerland, underscoring its cross-border appeal and market penetration.

This acquisition is set to propel the combined entity's revenue beyond the €200 million threshold. Olyos Group, already recognized as the fifth-largest operator in France's pharmacy food supplements market with its flagship brand Granions, is experiencing robust growth. The company projected a remarkable 34% sell-out increase for 2025, demonstrating its dynamic trajectory and operational efficiency. The integration of Somatoline is expected to further accelerate this expansion.

The strategic rationale behind the acquisition centers on creating a comprehensive "In and Out" offering. Olyos Group CEO Thierry Verne highlighted that the combination of ingestible supplements and topical dermo-cosmetic treatments provides a holistic approach to consumer wellness and beauty. This synergy is particularly relevant in the growing health and wellness market, which saw global spending on beauty and personal care products reach hundreds of billions of dollars annually, with a notable surge in demand for scientifically backed and natural ingredients.

The divestiture of Somatoline by Manetti & Roberts, a subsidiary of Bolton Group, aligns with the latter's ongoing efforts to streamline its corporate structure and focus on core strategic assets. This move reflects a common trend among larger conglomerates to optimize their brand portfolios through targeted sales of non-core divisions. Financial advisory services for Olyos Group were provided by Accuracy, while Translink Corporate Finance advised Manetti & Roberts on the transaction.

The dermo-cosmetics market, a segment within the broader beauty and personal care industry, is characterized by increasing consumer demand for efficacy, safety, and scientifically validated products. Brands that can offer specialized solutions, like Somatoline's focus on body care and slimming, are well-positioned to capture market share. Olyos Group's acquisition of such a brand, coupled with its own expertise in natural health supplements, creates a formidable competitor capable of addressing a wider spectrum of consumer needs in this evolving sector.