Le-Sel Research is the leading contract manufacturer in the cosmetic and domestic consumer goods sector in South Africa. The company operates from two modern, state of the art manufacturing facilities in Midrand, one housing the liquids/creams factory, and the other the aerosol factory. The company’s products range from cosmetic creams for Woolworths, to hair straightening product for Alberto Culver (local and African export), to Handy Andy and Sunlight Liquid for Unilever. It’s key clients include Alberto Culver, Avroy Shlain, Johnson & Johnson, Branded Solutions (Procter & Gamble licenced agent), Justine Avon, L’Oreal (Carsons Products), Novartis Consumer Health, Permark International, Reckitt Benckiser, Revlon, Unilever, Wella/Ondello, Woolworths and Aspen.

Globally, and more recently locally, there is a growing trend towards outsourcing the manufacturing component of products, and Le-Sel is well positioned to capitalise on this. This structural shift in the industry is a compelling reason for the investment in Le-Sel, which can capitalise on its capacity and much sought after production facility and world class procedures.

Incorporated in the transaction is both a BEE equity deal, and also greater participation by the management team. The investment was structured as a partial realisation by the existing shareholders, a capitalisation of the business to allow for growth, and corporatisation of the company through the Fund’s participation.