Original Additions has been a leader in the beauty accessories market for over 30 years selling branded eyelashes, nails and professional beauty products with a turnover of over £30million. Brands include Eylure, Elegant Touch and Salon System.
Groundbreaking collaborations with celebrities such as Girls Aloud have differentiated the Original Additions brands and have driven UK and international growth in the business. Original Additions has recently launched ranges in the US and China with plans to expand rapidly through several other health and beauty chains in both countries.
LDC has backed Original Additions’ existing management team, which is led by Simon and Matthew Zussman.
As part of LDC’s investment strategy, the existing management team will be further supported by two senior board appointments bringing additional experience to help drive the businesses international growth strategy.
Michael Thompson has joined as Chairman. Michael was previously President of Proctor & Gamble’s Global Prestige fragrance business which includes Hugo Boss, Giorgio Beverley Hills, Max Factor and Oil of Olay and was also Non-Executive Director at iconic health and beauty business, Simple.
Tracy Lewis, Chief Executive of lingerie and bra swimwear designer Eveden Group - an existing LDC Midlands portfolio business, has also joined the Original Additions board as a Non-Executive Director. Tracy has extensive previous experience and knowledge of the retail industry, both here in the UK and on a global scale.
The deal was led by LDC Investment Directors Paul Figgins and Andy Grove who will join the board with immediate effect.
Simon Zussman, Managing Director, Original Additions said:
“The strategic support and financial backing of LDC at this stage of our growth, along with the experience and expertise that is being brought to the board, represents a very exciting opportunity for us.
“With the continuing popularity of our high profile false eyelashes and nails brands in the UK, together with a rapidly expanding overseas presence, the investment will support Original Additions in further realising its future growth ambitions.”
Paul Figgins, Investment Director LDC added:
“By working in close partnership with the incumbent management team and leveraging the vast industry experience brought to the Group by Mike Thompson and Tracy Lewis, we believe that Original Additions represents an exciting investment opportunity for LDC.
“Going forward, we will fully support Original Addition’s strategy to drive further growth within the UK and across the Group’s existing international distributor network, as well as helping to increase sales and market share in the USA.”
Eversheds acted as legal adviser to LDC.
Quayle Munro acted as Financial Adviser and Taylor Wessing acted as legal advisers to Original Additions.
Issued on behalf of LDC by Citypress
Press information: Martin Currie or Holly Jones, Citypress. Telephone: 0121 230 1784.