Unilever considers selling Kate Somerville and Ren Clean skincare brands

The British conglomerate known for its extensive range of hygiene, cosmetic, and food products, is contemplating a strategic refinement of its Unilever Prestige division’s portfolio. According to Sky News, the multinational has reportedly enlisted advisors from PricewaterhouseCoopers to explore the sale options for Kate Somerville, a skincare brand established in Los Angeles, and Ren Clean Skincare, a British brand available in France through retailers like Oh My Cream!.

When approached by FashionNetwork.com for comment, Unilever, which acquired both brands in 2015 and incorporated them into its Unilever Prestige division, stated that it does not comment on speculation.

While Unilever has not confirmed these reports, the speculation arises amid significant changes within the company. In June, Vasiliki Petrou announced her departure from the role of CEO of Unilever Prestige, a division she founded in 2014.

Unilever Prestige, which reported a turnover of €1.3 billion in 2023, houses 10 brands including heavyweights like Dermalogica, as well as Kate Somerville, Murad, Ren Clean Skincare, Living Proof, Hourglass, Garancia, and Tatcha. Notably, in July, Michelle Brett, the CEO of Ren Clean Skincare, resigned without a successor being named.

Additionally, in July, Unilever disclosed plans to cut approximately 3,200 jobs in Europe by the end of 2025 as part of a global restructuring plan that includes 7,500 job cuts announced in March, equating to 6% of its workforce. These moves aim to invigorate focus and growth through a leaner organization, concentrating on the 30 brands that collectively account for 70% of its sales. This announcement followed March’s news of the divestiture of its ice cream division, which includes brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum.

For the first half of the year, Unilever reported a 2.3% increase in revenue, amounting to £31.1 billion (approximately €37 billion), primarily driven by volume growth.