Unilever has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 75% stake in the Italian personal care and wellbeing business, Equilibra.

Equilibra has a growing presence, with its skin care, hair cae and personal care product ranges. The company is also a leading player in nutritional supplements in Italy.

Equilibra's products contain plant-based ingredients with functional benefits, such as aloe, karite’, and argan oil.

Alan Jope, president of Beauty & Personal Care at Unilever, said: “Equilibra is very well-positioned in the wellbeing space in Italy and complements perfectly our existing offering...the brand enjoys great recognition in the market, and we see opportunities for further development in what is a fast-growing segment.”

Franco Bianco, who founded the company in 1987, says, “We are delighted to work together with Unilever to take the next step in our journey. We aim to spread the Italian Beauty and Wellbeing abroad and strengthen our presence in Italy.”

Fulvio Guarneri, general manager, Unilever Italy, comments, “Unilever has a successful track record of scaling partnerships with quintessential Italian brands on a national and European level. Unilever and Equilibra will leverage their complementary expertise to grow the Equilibra business, bringing sustainability, wellness and the Italian spirit to people in Italy and abroad.”

Equilibra will be run as a standalone business with the continued presence of the Bianco Family and the current management team.

Marco Bianco will be leading the business as CEO from its headquarter in Turin, and Franco Bianco will be Honorary Chairman.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Photos: Instagram/equilibra.ita