The French luxury group has reportedly received several offers to acquire its stake in the Marseille-based company, which it took control of in the 2010s, according to L’Informé.
Founded in 2008, Capsum has built a reputation as a technological standout in the cosmetics industry, driven by its microfluidics expertise. Its technology has reshaped the formulation of skincare — and more recently makeup — by keeping plant extracts, pigments, and other active ingredients suspended in a fluid medium, preventing them from mixing until application.
Highly interested in the technology, Chanel acquired a majority stake in the company in the 2010s and now reportedly owns more than 90% of its capital alongside founder and CEO Sébastien Bardon, according to L’Informé.
The luxury group, controlled by brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, is now reportedly seeking to relinquish control while retaining a minority stake. L’Informé reports that Rothschild & Co has been mandated to identify investors, while Eight Advisory is handling vendor due diligence. Several prospective buyers, including private equity funds, have already submitted indicative bids as part of an auction process.
Capsum generated EUR 68 million in revenue in 2024. Alongside its Marseille headquarters, the company has operated a manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, since 2020. At the end of 2025, it launched Capsum Campus, an innovation incubator dedicated to advancing cosmetic technologies.
