Estée Lauder to Acquire Full Stake in Indian Ayurvedic Brand Forest Essentials by 2026

Estée Lauder Companies plans to acquire the remaining 51% stake in Indian luxury Ayurvedic beauty brand Forest Essentials by the second half of 2026, gaining full ownership. The US firm, which first invested in 2008 and increased its stake to 49% in 2020, aims to expand in India’s growing prestige beauty market, currently about 10% of the total. Forest Essentials will maintain its Indian leadership and operational base, with founder Mira Kulkarni continuing to lead the brand. The acquisition aligns with Estée Lauder’s strategy to leverage wellness trends and accelerate growth in emerging markets.