Coty Inc. has entered into an agreement to transition the Gucci Beauty license back to Kering for a consideration of approximately $400 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Coty will continue to operate the Gucci Beauty brand through at least June 30, 2027, ending the license approximately one year ahead of the original license term. This strategic move allows Coty to realize value from the asset while focusing on its core operational priorities.

Transaction Details

As part of the agreement, Coty received $250 million in cash at signing and will receive an additional $150 million no later than September 30, 2027, of which up to $30 million is contingent on certain criteria. Coty has also agreed to sell to Kering an amount of Gucci Beauty inventory sufficient to support the transition. Coty estimates cash taxes of approximately $30 million in connection with this transaction. The transaction proceeds will be used to support debt reduction, investment in its core prestige fragrance and beauty portfolio, and organizational optimization to reflect the new scope of the business.

Strategic Context

Coty acquired the Gucci Beauty license in 2016 and has grown the business into a world-class fragrance and beauty operation. Since 2019, Coty has grown Gucci Beauty revenues by more than 60%, underpinned by enduring global franchises including Gucci Flora, Bloom, Guilty, and Alchemist Garden. In connection with the transaction, Coty and Kering have agreed to a mutual resolution of all pending litigation and related claims concerning the Gucci Beauty license, allowing the parties to focus on an orderly transition and their respective future strategic priorities.

Operational Integration

Separately, Coty is implementing organizational changes to advance its Coty.Curated strategy by centralizing commercial decision-making and increasing operational speed. The restructuring aims to bring leadership closer to markets, accelerate decision-making, and sharpen accountability for sell-out and market share. Coty will integrate Prestige R&D and sustainability with its supply chain operations into a single, simplified function. This consolidated unit will be led by Graeme Carter, the Chief Supply Chain Officer, on an interim basis.

Leadership Changes

Executive Chairman and interim CEO Markus Strobel will assume direct control of Prestige commercial operations. Under this new structure, Coty’s regional leaders will report directly to Strobel. This shift is intended to enhance market responsiveness and accountability within the Prestige segment. Additionally, Caroline Andreotti, Chief Commercial Officer Prestige, will leave Coty at the end of September after three years in the role and almost two decades with the company. Gordon von Bretten, President of Consumer Beauty, will continue to drive the existing integrated model within the Consumer Beauty division.