Douglas operates more than 1,800 stores across Europe. Credit: Dennis Diatel via Shutterstock.

German beauty retailer Douglas, majority-owned by private equity company CVC, has announced plans to list on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the Financial Times (FT) reported.

The company aims to raise €1.1bn ($1.19bn) to support its growth strategy and potentially reignite Europe’s sluggish initial public offering (IPO) market.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Targeting €6bn valuation

Douglas, operating more than 1,800 stores across Europe, seeks a €6bn valuation, potentially becoming Frankfurt’s largest IPO since 2022.

The FT said the company plans to issue €800m in new shares, with existing shareholders contributing an additional €300m.

Capitalising on online growth

Despite recent challenges in Europe’s IPO market, Douglas is confident.

According to the FT, Douglas CEO Sander van der Laan views the IPO as a springboard to “leverage our full potential,” targeting €5bn in sales by 2026.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

He is confident Douglas can outperform the broader European beauty market, driven by the company’s strong online presence.

Frankfurt IPO awaits

Douglas’ move follows the successful Frankfurt listing of German defence contractor Renk last month.

Other potential European IPO candidates this year include luxury brand Golden Goose and dermatology company Galderma, both backed by private equity businesses.

Investor feedback for Douglas’ IPO has been positive, signalling a revival for European IPO activity.

CVC, aiming to deliver returns to its investors, plans to use the IPO proceeds to reduce Douglas’ €300m annual interest payments and improve profitability.

Douglas’ Frankfurt IPO filing could mark a turning point for European IPOs.

The company’s growth strategy, combined with positive investor sentiment, positions it well for a successful listing.