Private equity firm buys up Urban Decay business

The California-based color cosmetics players has forged a name for its distinctive product line, said to demonstrate an alternative spin on the beauty industry.

Castranea says it will support the company to strengthen the brand, broaden the product portfolio and to help it to expand into new markets worldwide.

Castranea gets controlling stake​

The deal gives Castranea a majority and controlling stake in the business, but neither company has revealed how much money was exchanged in the deal.

However, in the interest of continuity and reflecting the strong direction of the business, Castranea confirmed that the entire executive board at the company would be retained in their current positions.

Currently the board line up includes Tim Warner as general manager, co-founder and executive creative director, Wande Zomnir as retail director and Eric Jimenez as international make-up artist.

Growing brand and distribution​

“As we continue to grow and add new channels of distribution, Castranea will help us build the infrastructure to meet that demand and realized growth opportunities,”​ said Zomnir.

The company was formed in 1996 and made an impact on the market with its bold use of colors, imaginatively designed product lines and distinctive packaging that appeals to a cross-section of ages and cultural diversity.

The company currently has a portfolio of over 300 products in covering mainly color cosmetics together with offerings in all other cosmetics categories, available through a network of US and international retail outlets that include Sephora and Ulta Beauty.