The Estée Lauder Companies to Acquire Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, the storied fragrance brand established by the iconic perfumer Frédéric Malle. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in January 2015.

Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle offers a collection of exclusive, ultraluxury fragrances crafted by some of the world’s most talented perfumers and personally curated by Malle, whose selections provide a range of timeless perfumes and home environment products to a discerning clientele of tastemakers and style icons. The combination of Malle’s exacting approach and the distinct personalities of each perfumer have resulted in the creation of original, perfectly balanced fragrances.

Established in Paris in 2000, the current Frédéric Malle collection encompasses 21 fragrances created by 12 master perfumers from around the world. They are sold through five architecturally distinctive stand-alone stores in Paris and New York, as well as through Barney’s in the United States and Liberty in London.

“Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle represents the epitome of elegance,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies. “Malle’s uncompromising dedication to pure perfumery has established him as the most sought after collaborator by the world’s most talented perfumers. He has created a true luxury brand that augments our portfolio of prestige beauty products, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our Company.”

“The Estée Lauder Companies has great respect for the art of perfumery and for the creativity, dedication and mastery required to create truly exceptional fragrance experiences,” said Editions de Parfums founder Frédéric Malle. “The Company’s commitment to a high standard of excellence and ability to support the growth of entrepreneurial concepts in a way that preserves all that is unique and special makes The Estée Lauder Companies the ideal partner for us.”

“As an entrepreneur and descendant of a line of legendary perfumers, Frédéric shares our deep commitment to creating products with lasting appeal, and to the continued growth and success of the company which bears his name,” said William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies. “We are so pleased to welcome Frédéric to our family.”

The brand will be overseen by John Demsey, Estée Lauder Companies’ Group President, responsible for the Estée Lauder, M·A·C, Tom Ford, Prescriptives, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and bumble, Jo Malone, La Mer, Smashbox, Aramis & Designer Fragrance brands, Le Labo and RODIN olio lusso.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. received financial advice from BNP Paribas and legal counsel from Lowenstein Sandler LLP and Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. LLP. Frédéric Malle received legal counsel from the New York and Paris offices of Dentons and from Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP.

The forward-looking statements in this press release, including those in the quoted remarks and those relating to the expectations for the acquired brand, the impact on the Company's financial results and the benefits of the acquisition, involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements include current economic and other conditions in the global marketplace, actions by retailers, suppliers and consumers, competition, the satisfaction of closing conditions, the Company's ability to successfully integrate the acquired business and/or implement its long-term strategic plan, and those described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2014.

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in over 150 countries and territories under the following brand names: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, M•A•C, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger, Kiton, La Mer, Donna Karan, Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Michael Kors, Flirt!, GoodSkin Labs, Tom Ford, Coach, Ojon, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, Aerin Beauty, Osiao, Marni, Tory Burch, RODIN olio lusso and Le Labo.