Major Administration Update for UK Beauty Brand in Over 1,300 Stores
A significant development has occurred in the UK cosmetics industry as a prominent beauty brand has been rescued from administration. London-listed cosmetics firm Warpaint has completed the acquisition of high street favourite Barry M out of administration for £1.4 million.
Details of the Acquisition
The transaction includes Barry M's brand name and intellectual property, though notably excludes the brand's manufacturing facility and existing staff. Warpaint, which already owns popular make-up brands W7 and Technic, anticipates this strategic move will significantly enhance its presence across key retail channels throughout the United Kingdom.
Barry M's Market Position
Barry M maintains a substantial retail footprint with stands in more than 1,300 stores across major retailers including:
- Superdrug
- Sainsbury's
- Boots
- Tesco
The brand also operates through online channels. Established in 1982 by founder Barry Mero, the British cosmetics company has built a strong reputation for its affordable nail varnishes and make-up products, positioning itself as vegan and cruelty-free. Following Barry Mero's death in 2014, leadership passed to Dean Mero.
Recent Financial Challenges
The brand had moved to appoint administrators last year after citing significant challenges including geopolitical issues and rising prices that were absorbed into its cost structure. According to its most recently published financial results, Barry M generated a turnover of £17.4 million with a pre-tax profit of £172,000 for the year ending February 2024.
During that period, the company employed an average of more than 120 staff members, with the majority working at its London manufacturing site.
Warpaint's Strategic Outlook
Warpaint, whose products are similarly stocked in various high street retailers, informed investors that earnings for the 2025 financial year were projected to reach approximately £22 million. However, the company acknowledged that last year's collapse of retailer Bodycare and subsequent closure of all its stores had negatively impacted the group, as Bodycare represented a significant retail customer for Warpaint's Technic brand.
This acquisition represents a strategic consolidation within the UK beauty sector, preserving a well-established brand that has become a staple on British high streets while providing Warpaint with expanded market reach and product portfolio diversification.
