Interparfums group has acquired Goutal Paris, an iconic French luxury perfume house that had been under foreign ownership for fourteen years. Experts from AURIS Finance, a mergers and acquisitions consultancy, offer their insights into this market move.
Goutal Paris is returning to French ownership. The niche perfume house, founded in the 1980s, had been owned by South Korea’s AmorePacific since 2011. It is now being taken over by French industry giant Interparfums.
The Sleeping Beauty
The company was founded in 1981 by former model Annick Goutal. It made its mark on French design with Eau d’Hadrien, a fragrance inspired by Marguerite Yourcenar’s memoirs of Hadrian. This fragrance subsequently became President François Mitterrand’s signature scent. The brand reached its peak in the 1990s. During this period, the company established itself in the luxury perfume industry with its refined aesthetic and niche fragrances, diverging from the dominant trends of the major perfume houses. Following the founder’s death in 1999, her daughter, Camille Goutal, assumed leadership with the support of the Starwood Capital investment fund in 2005.
The company then created two new fragrances that proved to be highly successful: Songes and Petite Chérie. However, the brand remained relatively unknown, with its creations mainly appreciated by fans of fine perfumery. In 2011, the company was acquired by AmorePacific, a Korean cosmetics specialist. In 2022, the Annick Goutal brand became Goutal Paris, with the aim of further expanding internationally. Despite attempts at growth, Goutal Paris has maintained its intimate character. The group’s turnover plateaued at around €10 to €12 million per year.
A giant at the helm
The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. Interparfums is a French perfume giant, managing brands such as Jimmy Choo, Montblanc, Rochas, Boucheron, Lacoste and Coach. Goutal Paris is a new addition to the company’s portfolio of high-end brands. In 2024, Interparfums posted a net profit of €129.9 million, representing a 10% year-on-year increase. The group is listed on Euronext Paris and operates in Asia, the United States and Europe. Although Interparfums has stated that it has acquired ‘all intellectual property rights relating to Maison Goutal held by AmorePacific Europe worldwide’, AmorePacific Europe will continue to operate the Goutal brand under a licence agreement for an indefinite period. With the backing of Interparfums and the support of AmorePacific Europe, Goutal Paris is poised for a period of significant growth and development.
Our experts at your service
The global perfume market is thriving, with consumers seeking unique fragrances. The popularity of niche perfumes is now well-established. Against this backdrop, funds are targeting independent perfume houses with a rich history and unique expertise. AURIS Finance’s experts are specialised by sector. We work in collaboration with independent company directors at key strategic milestones, including disposals, investor searches, inorganic growth opportunities, and preparation for sale. Whether you are considering a handover or raising funds, our experts will work with you to enhance the value of your legacy and structure your project.
