When I first saw the headline, I actually said “of course they did.” L’Oréal buying Kering Beauté, which includes Creed, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga, for €4 billion. Their biggest acquisition ever. It’s not just a power move. It’s a reset.
We’re officially in a consolidation era. The giants are getting bigger, the middle is shrinking, and the rest of us are figuring out how to keep building smart, profitable, emotionally resonant brands in a market that’s starting to feel a little crowded at the top.
But don’t panic. This is one of those “watch and learn” moments for founders. Especially if you’re in beauty, or planning your next move.
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