, Columnists
For Unilever, Estee Lauder's Not Just a Pretty Face
A deal for the cosmetics giant would protect Unilever from unwanted overtures and provide growth.
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Could it be? Finally some enticing takeover speculation to get us through this end-of-summer M&A lull.
Estee Lauder Cos., the $39 billion New York cosmetics giant, is the latest to enter the rumor mill -- and the chatter makes a whole lot of sense. Some may think of bygone department stores and shoulder pads when they hear the name Estee Lauder, but in fact the company owns hot brands such as M.A.C., Smashbox, Becca and Bobbi Brown, among others. It's been riding a wave of sizzling growth in the prestige beauty business that's buoyed several retailers and brands.