L’Oreal, Permira Said Among Firms Competing for Aesop Stake (1)

L’Oreal SA and Permira are among suitors competing for a stake in high-end cosmetics brand Aesop, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The French skincare group and private equity firm proceeded to a second round of bidding for the asset, according to the people. The family behind French cosmetics company Clarins SAS is also bidding through its Famille C Participations investment vehicle, they said.

The stake is being sold by Brazilian cosmetics maker Natura & Co. and a deal could value Aesop at about $2 billion. Binding offers are due in the coming weeks, the people said, asking not ...