Financial News

Core Industrial Partners Invests in Winky Lux

Will support continued growth and assist in meeting customer demand, officials said.

Beauty brand Winky Lux has announced a majority investment by Core Industrial Partners, a private equity firm with more than $1.58 billion of capital commitments.

Raymond James served as the exclusive financial advisor to Core in the transaction.

The strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for Winky Lux and provides additional resources to accelerate growth and expand market reach.

Founded in 2015, Winky Lux’s best-selling products include flower balm, universal brow pencil and peeper perfect concealer. The company’s ethos of authenticity, sustainability and creativity align with Core’s investment philosophy, officials said.

Core entered the beauty industry in 2020 through their investment in Cohere Beauty, a beauty and personal care contract-manufacturing platform. Leveraging a history of operating and investment experience, Core says it’s positioned to enhance Winky Lux’s ability to grow while preserving the brand’s unique identity and joy-focused approach.

“Joining forces with Core is an exciting next step for Winky Lux,” said Natalie Mackey, CEO and co-founder of Winky Lux. “This partnership enables us to meet customer demand, scale our operations, maximize existing retailer partnerships with Target, Ulta and Shoppers Drug, and reach new heights in product innovation. We’re confident Core’s experience and resources will help us achieve our long-term goals while staying true to our brand values of joy and creativity.”

The investment allows Winky Lux to fund the expansion of both its digital and brick-and-mortar retail channels, leveraging Core’s strategic guidance and operational support. The CEO, co-founders and management team will all remain at the company. In addition, Winky Lux has appointed industry veterans Zack Zavalydriga and Cassandra Batista to the company board of directors.

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