Bakel Bolsters Finances, Poised for Global Skincare Growth
Italian skincare brand Bakel has announced a significant strengthening of its financial foundation through a share capital increase. This move allows Friulia S.p.A., the financial arm of the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional authority, to acquire a 14% stake in the company, a development designed to solidify Bakel’s equity and support its ambitious future growth plans.
The investment from Friulia marks the culmination of a restructuring process initiated in 2024, which has resulted in Bakel returning to full ownership under its founder, Dr. Raffaella Gregoris. Through her holding company, MGB, Gregoris successfully repurchased the Bakel shares previously held by Culti Milano, effectively regaining complete control of the brand.
Dr. Gregoris, who also serves as Bakel’s president, emphasized the importance of this transition. She stated that the partnership with Friulia completes a journey to restore Bakel to its core principles – a company driven by scientific innovation and dedicated to research and development. She believes that freeing the company from previous structural limitations is crucial for success in the rapidly evolving cosmetics industry.
Gregoris further highlighted the significance of having a fully Friuli-based ownership structure, aligning with the company’s original vision established 12 years ago. She views Bakel as an innovative small-to-medium enterprise (SME) and believes Friulia’s investment reinforces this identity.
Bakel demonstrated strong financial performance in 2024, achieving a 15.1% increase in revenue and a 14.4% rise in EBITDA. The company anticipates continued expansion in 2025, projecting a 22% revenue increase fueled by substantial growth in both pharmacy sales (up 42%) and its e-commerce channel (up 40%).
International expansion is also a key focus, with exports currently growing at 18%. Key markets driving this growth include Taiwan, China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, indicating a broadening global reach for the Italian skincare brand.
