17. Groupe Yves Rocher
Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France
www.yvesrocher.com

Corporate Sales: 2.6 billion

Beauty Sales: $2.1 billion (estimated)
Key Personnel: Bris Rocher, chairman and chief executive officer; Jacques Rocher, director of sustainable development and environment.

Major Products: Skincare, cosmetics and fragrance sold under brands, including Yves Rocher, Stanhome, Dr. Pierre Ricaud, Daniel Jouvance, Kiotis and ID Parfums.

New Products: Yves Rocher Perfect Primer, Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Lash Plumping Mascara, Dr. Pierre Ricaud Nutrition Intense, Dr. Pierre Ricaud Neckline, Purple Lilac Eau de Toilette

Yves Rocher’s So Elixir Purple launches in the U.S. this month. It is a sequel to the So Elixir perfume launched in 2010.

Comments: The Yves Rocher Group, known for “botanical beauty” and a commitment to the environment, unites science with natural products, and says it delivers 500 million products in more than 80 countries, and employs more than 15,000 people worldwide (nearly half in France). Further, the Group claims 2,000 stores and 40 million customers.

Earlier this year, Sanofi sold its 19.3% stake in the Yves Rocher Group to Société Financière des Laboratoires de Cosmétologie Yves Rocher, subject to certain closing conditions. When finalized, the Rocher family will control more than 95% of the Group’s capital. The sale price was not undisclosed.

Sanofi acquired a stake in the Yves Rocher Group’s capital in 1973 and divested part of its stake in the early 2000s.

At this year’s FiFi Awards, Yves Rocher North America’s Comme une Evidence Green won in the Direct To Consumer Men category.

According to the Group, it is continuing to strengthen its position in high-yield markets such as France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Scandinavia, Belgium, USA and Canada.