AIKEN BUYS U.S. OPERATIONS OF THE PERFUMER’S WORKSHOP
NEW YORK — Lawrence J. Aiken is back in the fragrance business.
After his offer to buy Riviera Concepts fell through at the end of last year, the former head of Sanofi Beaute has purchased the North American business of The Perfumer’s Workshop Ltd.
Consequently, The Perfumer’s Workshop has been split into two entities. Under the new name The Perfumer’s Workshop International Ltd., Donald Bauchner, president and founder of the original company, will retain international rights of the firm’s brands: Tea Rose, Rosebud, Samba, Watercolors and Les Girls. Aiken, who made the acquisition as president of Nicholas Lawrence Cosmetics Inc., will be chief executive officer of The Perfumer’s Workshop Ltd. He will oversee U.S. and Canadian distribution of the firm’s stable of fragrances. Terms weren’t disclosed. Financing was arranged by the Woodbridge Group, Woodbridge, Conn.
Industry sources estimate Perfumer’s Workshop’s annual wholesale volume at $25 million worldwide.
Aiken, who noted that he’s eyeing other potential acquisitions in the industry, said his plans for the company include launching the firm’s brands in Canada, where none have been sold, and expanding U.S. distribution.