The Estée Lauder Companies agreed on 5 March to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials, the Indian luxury Ayurvedic beauty brand it has backed since 2008.
Why The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is buying Forest Essentials
Estée Lauder said the deal would make India its largest emerging market and give it a larger share of prestige beauty growth there. It cited Euromonitor data ranking Forest Essentials as India's top prestige skin care brand and said the brand was expected to grow net sales in the low double digits.
“Today marks a meaningful new chapter in a partnership built over the past 18 years”
Deal terms and financing
No price was disclosed. Estée Lauder held 49% after increasing its stake in 2020. Forest Essentials reported revenue of Rs578 crore in fiscal 2025, up 18%, and profit of Rs123 crore, according to Entrackr.
Regulatory approvals and timing
The acquisition requires regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of calendar 2026. Estée Lauder's fiscal 2026 results release of 19 August 2026 listed the deal as still subject to regulatory approval.
Market context
Forest Essentials will remain headquartered in New Delhi and keep its Indian research, sourcing and in-house manufacturing. Founder Mira Kulkarni started the brand in 2000.
