There is a new development in the hygiene and beauty sector. Vabel Group, a specialist in the formulation, manufacture and packaging of beauty products, is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of the Cottage brand, which is renowned for its shower gels, shampoos and body care products. Experts from AURIS Finance, a mergers and acquisitions consultancy, provide explanations and analysis.
Cottage is now part of Vabel group. Since the 1990s, the family-run company Panthers Group has been the owner of Cottage, as well as of the Closerie des Parfums and Arnaud Paris brands. Cottage products are primarily available in large and medium-sized shops. They are characterised by their bottle shape, reminiscent of milk bottles, and their indulgent fragrances (caramel, cherry, pistachio, marshmallow, etc.). According to information from CFNEWS, the brand generated a turnover of €18 million in 2024.
Subcontracting and own brands
With this acquisition, Vabel adds a new proprietary brand to its portfolio. Since 1974, the French group has specialised in the design, manufacture, packaging and marketing of technical products in the cosmetics, perfumery, make-up, health and wet wipe sectors, with a focus on three distribution channels: consumer goods, pharmacies and luxury goods. With a current workforce of 2,000, Vabel has a long-standing commitment to subcontracting for partner brands. Its industrial offering ranges from formulation to packaging of hygiene, skincare and cosmetic products. The group also operates in licensing and private labels, with prestigious clients in the perfume industry such as Pierre Cardin Fragrance and Inessance Paris; skincare brands Corine de Farme and Institut Phyto; and pet care products under the Les Wouf brand.
A change of direction
In 2021, Vabel took the strategic decision to open up its capital to an investment fund for the first time. Naxicap Partners subsequently acquired a majority stake in the group. At this juncture, Vabel initiated a vigorous takeover strategy. At the end of 2021, it made its first strategic acquisition: CCSP Parfums, a packaging company based in Chaulnes, in the Somme region. This initial acquisition provided Vabel with augmented industrial capacity. However, the most significant acquisition was undoubtedly the one made in September 2023. On that date, Vabel took over Sarbec Cosmetics, a major player with a turnover of €150 million at the time, compared with €50 million for Vabel, according to CFNEWS. The Sarbec Cosmetics Group is a family-owned business with a specialisation in the manufacture of cosmetics and perfumery products for major luxury brands, licences and its own brands. It operates two factories, one in Poland and the other in France. It was during this takeover that Vabel acquired the Corine de Farme brand.
Our experts at your service
The addition of Cottage to Vabel Group’s portfolio is a strategic move that solidifies its position as a key player in the hygiene and personal care market. This recent acquisition aligns seamlessly with the strategy initiated by the group in 2021, when Naxicap Partners acquired a stake in the company. As a key player in the industry, Vabel is now planning to increase the promotion of its in-house creations, as demonstrated by the launch of the Jacomo fragrance in March 2025. In the hygiene, care and beauty sector, production capacity remains a key priority, and further mergers could be anticipated in the coming months. AURIS Finance experts are specialised by sector. Our consumer goods and HPC specialists will provide comprehensive support throughout your sale or acquisition project.
