L Catterton to acquire minority stake in EX NIHILO
Over the past two years, Eurazeo empowered EX NIHILO to refine its positioning, venture into fresh territories, and fortify operations for rapid scaling and stronger market dominance.
FRANCE – L Catterton, an American multinational private equity firm, is strengthening its beauty investments through a deal involving EX NIHILO, a premier Parisian luxury fragrance brand.
Eurazeo has agreed exclusively to transfer its minority stake in the company to L Catterton, paving the way for accelerated global expansion while honouring the brand’s innovative heritage.
Eurazeo and EX NIHILO’s founders, Sylvie Loday, Olivier Royère, and Benoît Verdier, have finalized terms for L Catterton to acquire a substantial minority position in the haute perfumery house.
This transaction follows a strong growth phase under Eurazeo’s two-year stewardship, during which the firm bolstered brand strategy, international market penetration, leadership enhancements, organizational scaling, profitability gains, and sustainability efforts like decarbonization.
Sylvie Loday, Olivier Royère and Benoît Verdier, Co-founders of EX NIHILO, stated, “The last two years alongside Eurazeo have enabled EX NIHILO to structure itself and accelerate its growth, both in France and internationally.”
“Thanks to this support and a solid partnership, we have strengthened our organization and continued our expansion into new markets.”
Founders and executives plan to reinvest significantly alongside L Catterton, ensuring continuity of vision, with closure anticipated in Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Launched in Paris in 2013, EX NIHILO, which translates to “created out of the blue” in Latin, stands out in the luxury fragrance space by fusing bold creativity, bespoke services, avant-garde artist partnerships, and masterful craftsmanship.
Signature scents like Fleur Narcotique and Blue Talisman have earned cult followings, propelling them into the ranks of the swiftest-rising players in the global high-end perfume sector.
The brand’s “Osmologues” personalization platform lets customers tailor fragrances, blending collectable luxury with modern customization to captivate discerning consumers.
The exit delivers over 2.5 times the original investment in just 2 years, far exceeding prior valuations and affirming Eurazeo’s prowess in nurturing high-potential consumer assets.
This move underscores the success of their Elevate strategy in championing ethical, ambitious enterprises toward enduring profitability.
This strategic alliance positions L Catterton to propel EX NIHILO’s next growth chapter, amplifying its influence in the competitive beauty landscape amid rising demand for personalized luxury.
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