Beauty market retailer Douglas expands in Spain via acquisition
German perfume and cosmetics retailer Douglas is set to acquire Madrid-based Grupo Bodybell, one of Spain's leading perfumery chains, from a group of financial investors. The transaction will see Bodybell's network of more than 200 stores, two online shops and an established logistics platform, combined with 57 stores Douglas already operates in Spain.
Douglas, the leading European retailer in the selective beauty market, significantly expands its operations in Spain with the acquisition of of Grupo Bodybell from a group of financial investors.

With more than 200 stores, two online shops and an established logistics platform, Madrid-based Grupo Bodybell is one of the leading Spanish perfumery chains. The planned transaction would combine this network with the 57 stores already operated by Douglas in Spain and would allow Douglas to become a leading player in this market.

Douglas intends to focus on improving customer experience by transferring proven concepts from other European markets to Spain. By integrating the online shops with its brick and mortar business, Douglas will moreover work to offer innovative omnichannel shopping to the Spanish customers.

“Strengthening our market position in this country is a decisive step forward on our way to becoming No. 1 or a strong No. 2 in every market we serve”, said Isabelle Parize, CEO of Douglas. “The transaction promises great potential: While Bodybell has 43 years of experience of combining selective and mass beauty products in the Spanish market, Douglas brings to the table extensive know-how from its international operations, including the successful introduction of private labels and innovative omnichannel solutions.”

Douglas opened its first perfumery in Spain in November 1995. With about 1,700 stores in 19 European countries, Douglas is the selective beauty care market leader in Europe and generated annual sales of about EUR 2.7 billion in financial year 2015/2016.

The agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including merger control approval. The companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction.