The perfume house ex nihilo announces the sale of its minority shareholding to L Catterton, marking a strategic step in its international development.
Eurazeo and the founders of ex nihilo have reached an agreement to sell a minority stake in the Parisian perfume house. After a successful two-year collaboration, L Catterton, a major player in consumer-focused private equity, will become ex nihilo's new strategic partner.
An innovative perfume house
Founded in Paris in 2013 by Sylvie Loday, Olivier Royère and Benoît Verdier, ex nihilo stands for « created from scratch »in Latin. This luxury perfume house stands out for its approach based on creative freedom and innovation. Ex nihilo offers exclusive fragrances that combine luxury craftsmanship and personalization, through emblematic creations such as Fleur Narcotique and Blue Talisman, making it one of the fastest-growing perfume houses internationally.
Through its partnership with Eurazeo, ex nihilo has benefited from active support in its development and structuring. According to the co-founders, « the last two years working alongside Eurazeo have enabled ex nihilo to structure and accelerate its growth, both in France and abroad ». They also stress the importance of preserving the company's creative DNA, while aiming to become a key player in new markets.
Growth prospects
Eurazeo's sale is significant, as it involves the founders of ex nihilo reinvesting alongside L Catterton, thus ensuring alignment with future growth objectives. This transaction is expected to generate a multiple in excess of 2.5 times the initial investment, illustrating the brand's valuation potential. Pierre Meignen, Head of Elevate at Eurazeo, explains that this sale step « highlights the challenges of Eurazeo's strategy of supporting ambitious and responsible companies ». Completion of this transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2026, subject to the usual regulatory approvals.
