Clicks acquires majority stake in ARC Store in USD 30.9M deal
The transaction still requires approval from the relevant competition authorities before it can be completed.
SOUTH AFRICA – Clicks Group has raised its ownership in premium beauty retailer ARC Store to 61% after purchasing an additional 35.3% stake from the company’s founding shareholders for R507 million (USD 30.94 million).
Clicks Group’s partnership with ARC began in 2021, when it acquired its initial interest in the business.
The group later increased its shareholding to 25.7% in 2025 before completing the latest transaction.
Clicks Group CEO Bertina Engelbrecht said acquiring a controlling stake in ARC would give Clicks greater exposure to South Africa’s expanding premium beauty market, which is currently worth more than R6 billion per year.
According to Engelbrecht, ARC has established a distinctive position within the premium beauty sector, creating opportunities for both businesses to benefit from their respective strengths.
She added that the increased shareholding would allow Clicks to participate more fully in ARC’s future growth while retaining the founders and management team that built the business.
Established in 2020, ARC is a specialist premium beauty retailer offering a range of international prestige brands across fragrance, skincare, makeup, haircare, and bath and body products.
The retailer currently operates 12 stores in leading shopping malls across South Africa and has developed a strong online business.
Its Sandton City store is the largest beauty retailer in Africa. Over the medium term, ARC plans to expand its footprint to between 20 and 30 stores.
ARC stores are located at Sandton City, Menlyn Park, Tyger Valley, Gateway, Mall of Africa, Eastgate, Pavilion, Cavendish, Canal Walk and Clearwater in South Africa.
Although Clicks will become the controlling shareholder, ARC’s existing shareholders will retain an interest in the business.
ARC’s executive management team has also committed to remaining with the company until at least 2028, supporting continuity and ensuring that management and shareholder interests remain aligned as the retailer grows.
ARC has been an affinity partner of the Clicks ClubCard programme since 2021.
During the past year, spending by ARC customers at Clicks stores rose by 16% to R836 million.
Clicks stores also serve as collection points for ARC’s click-and-collect service. This arrangement strengthens the relationship between the two businesses while providing customers with greater convenience.
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