Bain Capital acquires majority stake in Maesa

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Mar 28, 2019

Global private investment firm Bain Capital Private Equity has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in international beauty brand incubator, Maesa.

Headquartered in New York City and Levallois-Perret, France, Maesa operates vertically integrated marketing, design, engineering, product development and operations for products across the beauty industry including haircare, color cosmetics, personal care and fragrance.

In addition to supporting exclusive beauty brands like Kristin Ess Hair Care – a brand expected to earn close to $100 million in retail sales in 2019 – and Drew Barrymore's Flower Beauty, Maesa also counts Becca Cosmetics, Target, H&M and Urban Outfitters among its portfolio of clients. 

Under the joint ownership of Bain Capital, Maesa’s co-founders Julien Saada and Gregory Mager, and Maesa management, the company plans to accelerate its growth strategy with a focus on driving business, investing in leadership and developing talent.

The founders and management team of Maesa will continue to be substantial shareholders alongside the investment firm, while Andera Partners, a minority shareholder, will be selling its investment as part of the transaction. 

“We believe that Bain Capital Private Equity is the right partner to help us take Maesa into its next phase of growth as a global beauty supplier and beauty brand incubator,” said Saada and Mager in a release. “Bain Capital Private Equity has a unique understanding and confidence in our long-term growth strategy, culture and people, bringing valuable global reach and expertise which will support us in our future growth plans”.

Founded in 1997, Maesa has over 300 employees across seven global offices and generates over $230 million in global annual sales.

Bain Capital Private Equity's other consumer and retail investments include Bugaboo, Maisons du Monde, Sundial Brands, Virgin Voyages and Canada Goose.