Yesterday, Auréa Group, the new owner of The Body Shop, has made a strategic investment in the premium hair care brands Zenagen and ACT/IV. The private equity firm has invested an undisclosed amount into Nutraceutical Research Innovations (NRI), the US-based holding company for these two professional hair care lines. This move is part of Auréa’s broader strategy to expand its portfolio within the beauty and personal care sectors, following its acquisition of The Body Shop in 2024.
This is Auréa’s second foray into the hair care market, after its previous investment in Scandinavian Biolabs, a hair growth brand. “Zenagen and ACT/IV are outstanding brands that deliver proven, effective solutions for their customers,” said Paul Raphael, co-founding partner at Auréa. “With increasing consumer demand for premium, purpose-driven hair care products, NRI is exceptionally well positioned to thrive. We look forward to leveraging Auréa’s operational expertise and extensive network to help unlock the brands’ next phase of growth.”
Zenagen, established in 2008, specializes in plant-based products designed to treat fine and thinning hair. The brand is available in salons, spas, dermatology clinics, and through aesthetic therapists. Auréa intends to strengthen Zenagen’s presence in the professional market while exploring opportunities for expansion into direct-to-consumer platforms, including Amazon.
ACT/IV, founded in 2016, is a lifestyle hair care brand with a solid foothold in professional beauty channels, including nationwide distribution. Auréa plans to prioritize ACT/IV’s digital growth and explore further retail expansion opportunities.
A spokesperson for NRI emphasized their decision to partner with Auréa, citing the firm’s unmatched industry expertise, particularly in scaling digital engagement and optimizing global operations.
