Douglas shareholders have confirmed they have entered into exclusive negotiation with financial investor Charterhouse Capital Partners in order to acquire Nocibé. Rumours concerning the acquisition of the third French perfumery chain have been leaking for several weeks.

With this acquisition, the German retailer would further develop its position as a leading selective perfumery chain in Europe. “Douglas and Nocibé are already today among the leading players and rank fourth and third in the French perfumery market. The acquisition of Nocibé by the Douglas Group would create the largest perfumery chain in France, with 625 stores and about 4,000 employees,” said Douglas. Together, Douglas and Nocibé would achieve a number two position in terms of turnover, after Sephora.

Douglas said there was no decision yet on whether the Nocibé and Douglas brands would merge or would continue to operate separately.

According to media reports, the amount of the transaction would be between 500 million and 550 million euros. The proposed transaction is subject to customary approvals, such as the completion of the consultation process with the workers’ councils and antitrust clearance.