Together with the shares tendered in the acceptance period totaling 79.84 percent and the 12.73 percent shareholding acquired from Lobelia Beteiligungs GmbH (the Kreke family), this makes up a total shareholding of 93.73 percent. In addition, Beauty Holding Three AG made share purchases outside the tender offer totaling a further 2.38 percent and has thus acquired 96.11 percent of all shares.

DOUGLAS shareholders who have tendered their shares during the additional acceptance period are expected to receive payment of the offer price of EUR 38 per share on 9 January 2013.

As already announced, at 95 percent, Beauty Holding Three AG has reached the size of shareholding needed to make a request for a squeeze-out of the remaining  shareholders in DOUGLAS HOLDING AG in accordance with the provisions of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpÜG). DOUGLAS shareholders who have not accepted the tender offer by 21 December 2012 can therefore tender their shares for the price of EUR 38 per share in cash during a further tender period ending at midnight CET on 20 March 2013. Further details of this further tender period can be obtained from the offer document and the announcement published on 20 December 2012.

Ranjan Sen, General Manager of Advent International GmbH in Frankfurt: “We are delighted that the offer has received such a positive response, in particular during the additional acceptance period. Advent International and the Kreke family will now jointly evaluate the resulting options and further promote the development of the DOUGLAS Group.”

Dr. Jörn Kreke, founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DOUGLAS HOLDING AG, adds: “We are very pleased about the clear result and the high acceptance of our offer. In Advent International, we have a strong partner at our side. With a stable ownership structure, we will now jointly carry forward the success story of the group and strengthen and expand the market position of the DOUGLAS Group.”

[Text/Logo: Advent International]

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DOUGLAS shareholders may currently tender their shares at a price of EUR 38 per share in cash. The acceptance period ends at midnight (CET) on 4 December 2012. The voluntary public tender offer is subject to a minimum acceptance threshold of 75 percent.

Ranjan Sen, General Manager of Advent International in Frankfurt, said: “We are delighted that the antitrust authorities issued their approval for a possible takeover of DOUGLAS Holding AG so swiftly. The next milestone will be attaining shareholder approval.”

[[Text: Advent/Kreke, Logo: Douglas]

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“Therapists who are serious about keeping up-to-date and enhancing their skill sets visit camexpo.  It’s a rare, once in a year opportunity to meet all the industry experts under one roof.  Think of it as an annual retreat where you visit for two days of inspiration for the rest of the 363 days!” says exhibitor Sumita Singh, director of Affable Therapy Training Limited, who is looking forward to meeting and doing business with the 5,000+ natural health care professionals and retailers the show annually attracts.

“camexpo is an excellent way of keeping up with what’s going on in an industry that is very fragmented, with most of us working as micro businesses in isolation.  It’s an important event that helps us to reconnect with the bigger picture, keep an eye on the regulatory ball and explore new, quality educational opportunities…as well as catch up with old friends,” adds regular visitor Dr Alyssa Burns-Hill, hormone & holistic health specialist at Harley Street Hormone Health.

The essential event of the year for the UK’s entire CAM community, this weekend will see thousands of visitors – from sole practitioners and large CAM clinics to health care professionals, heath store retailers and press representatives – travel from all across the UK to attend the show’s CPD-accredited seminars and workshops, plus research the latest new products, services and training for their customers and clients.

First time exhibitors confirmed for 2012 include Successful Health Marketing, ismartmassage Therapy & Courses, Essex Logistics Ltd, BioActive Foods Europe BV from The Netherlands, Alokui skin care (Mediplus Ltd), Aquarian Therapy, and Nature Foods, who will all be participating in the show’s first ever Innovation Zone, which has been launched to offer visitors an even greater range of inspiring, unique and innovative products from new start-ups within their first few years of trading.

Of course there’s also plenty of innovation to be found all across the show floor and in the show’s New Product Showcase.  This year’s New Product Showcase participants include Naturally Cool Kids; Kara Dairy Free; Bionutri; Manifest Health; Igennus Healthcare Nutrition; Bio-Kult (Probiotics International); Revolution Foods; BioCare; Eterno Naturals; Revital; Orassy Quantum Spa – Timewaver; Galway Natural Health; Affable Therapy Training Limited; Symprove Probiotics; Healing Bamboo/Kokoro Haramaki; Cress Ltd and Hopes Cream (distributor of Sukin natural skincare); payleven; and 1880 Life.

More show firsts include the introduction of a new Hot Topic Discussion Desk.  A central hub for sharing experiences and expertise between industry peers, the two Hot Topic Zones features topical discussions on a host of subjects led by expert facilitators, including Dr Marilyn Glenville; Hazel Russo and Margaret Coats (CNHC); Kush Kumar (CThA); Jayney Goddard (CMA); David Balen (Balens); Annalisa Zisman (Inspire Massage Workshops); Meleni Aldridge (ANH); Eileen Durward and Alison Cullen (A. Vogel); and Carl Newbury (Massage World).

With a choice of 16 small group sessions, across two Hot Topic Zones each day, visitors arriving at Earls Court for show open tomorrow (10.00am) will be able to enjoy first pick (space permitting) of sessions; including ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) – your experiences; Professional boundaries/how do you deal with complaints; What do you think are the current big issues facing our industry; and The regulation minefield – how do you overcome the challenges.

Once again, lively Keynotes and practical demonstrations will run alongside the central exhibition on both days and are included in the cost of entry.  The show’s annual conference programme, which includes 22 free Keynote seminars (in two Revital-sponsored theatres) and 33 free training and development sessions in its CThA Demo Theatre and CAM Stage Live!, highlights its ongoing commitment to facilitate and enhance learning between CAM professionals.

Those visitors unable to attend on the opening day will be sure to find plenty to keep them busy at the show on the Sunday, when the winners of camexpo’s three prestigious awards are announced.  These include the Best New CAM Product Award 2012, which is voted for by visitors to the show’s New Products Showcase on the Saturday, camexpo CAM Clinic of the Year, and the CAM Outstanding Achievement Award.

The camexpo CAM Clinic of the Year award will be presented to the deserving winner by Jayney Goddard, President of The Complementary Medical Association (The CMA), after her Keynote on ‘Practice development – maximising your business ethically’ (11.40am-12.25pm).  The fourth annual CAM Outstanding Achievement Award, which is voted for by the industry, will be presented to its new recipient by last year’s winners, Meghan Mari and Rachel Fairweather, directors and co-founders of the Jing Institute of Advanced Massage Training, immediately following their Keynote on ‘Revolutionising the future of massage therapy: Making the profession more professional on a world stage’ (12.45-1.30pm).

The acceptance of 50.5 percent of the share capital of DOUGLAS Holding AG has already been secured. The Kreke family as well as the major shareholders Oetker and Müller have made a binding commitment to accept the offer at the announced price and to sell their shares. With execution of the public tender offer the Kreke family will become an indirect 20 percent shareholder in Beauty Holding Three AG (the bidder). The remaining shares are held by funds advised by Advent International.

The Kreke family and Advent International jointly want to carry forward the success story of the DOUGLAS Group, identify the company’s growth opportunities and systematically realize its potential by combining their strengths for the benefit of the Group. The Kreke family stands for retail expertise throughout generations. As a strong, longer-term investor, Advent International stands for a constructive cooperation with the management and further international expansion.

The main objective is to accelerate the growth of the perfume and jewelry division jointly with the management. Major focus will be placed on an increased presence in the domestic and international markets as well as the rapid innovative integration of cross-channel sales concepts. With regard to the book business, the partners will actively pursue the restructuring and strategic repositioning to make the division fit for the future. Additionally, the current positioning of the business divisions fashion and confectionery are to be continued in a profit-oriented way.

“The objective of this transaction is to transfer the DOUGLAS Group into a stable ownership structure, further develop its strategy, and position the group for sustainable profitable growth. We are combining the values and entrepreneurial understanding of our founding family with the international market and sector expertise of a globally leading private equity firm. We are convinced that Advent International is the right partner for us to strategically reposition the DOUGLAS Group and, in the interest of the entire group as well as its dedicated employees, to help create further successful growth. We very much understand that the success of the DOUGLAS Group is based on our outstanding executives and employees. Therefore, the mutual close and trustful cooperation will remain one of the key success factors of the group,” said Dr. Jörn Kreke, Founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DOUGLAS Holding AG.

Ralf Huep, General Manager of Advent International in Frankfurt, comments: “Over the years, the Kreke family and the management team have created one of the leading retail groups in Europe, which is broadly positioned and highly recognized throughout the industry. The company stands for strong brands, outstanding quality and excellent customer service. We are convinced that the DOUGLAS Group has great potential, and we are looking forward to promoting the strategic development together with the management and the employees.”

Ranjan Sen, General Manager of Advent International in Frankfurt, adds: “We are convinced that the public tender offer is very attractive. Together with the Kreke family we will support the management board and the employees to successfully continue the growth course of the DOUGLAS Group and seize new opportunities offered by the structural change in the retail sector.”

Advent International has been operating in Germany for more than 20 years and works in close partnership with the management teams of its portfolio companies. Advent International’s retail transactions include Takko Fashion, Swiss travel retailer Dufry and the French fashion company Gérard Darel.

[Text/Logo: Advent International/Kreke]

Having enjoyed strong industry and association endorsement from its inception, Natural Products Scandinavia’s exciting two day line-up has also attracted many of the region’s key distributors – who in addition to exhibiting themselves will also be sending buyers to Malmö to source a host of new international products for their trade customers.  Amongst them are Sweden’s HKC Edenvard AB; Tamro AB; Hela Parma AB; Bringwell AB; Acrilex; Octean AB; and Elixir Pharma; plus Denmark’s Danasan A/S; medica Clincal Nord Danmark A/S; Novasel EU APS; and Panacea Aps.

Life Europe AB, Scandinavia’s leading retail chain for health products and services, which boasts nearly 500 stores across Sweden, Norway and Finland, will also be hosting its annual conference throughout the two day event.

Carsten Holm, managing director of the show’s organiser Diversified Business Communications UK, is delighted with how seriously the Nordic natural and organic products industry have taken the launch, which sold out of all exhibition space in September:

“The Nordic countries are known throughout the world for their commitment to self care and for taking personal responsibility for their own well being and for living natural and healthy lifestyles.  In every respect the Nordic region is leading the world in natural health care so it is really not surprising that the event has had such strong interest from around the world, with over 27 countries represented.”

Given the Nordic region’s continued strong growth in the sales of health and wellness products, which according to a recent report by EuroMonitor totalled nearly €3.8 billion in 2010 in Sweden alone (closely followed by Norway, Finland and Denmark), the show presents a unique opportunity for Scandinavian retailers looking to expand their share of this lucrative market as the majority of their customers are already well-informed of the health-related benefits of using natural products.

One show feature that has certainly generated a wealth of pre-registered visitor interest is Natural Products Scandinavia’s New Product Showcase.  With many launches timed specifically to coincide with the event, attending buyers can enjoy an exclusive preview of a new product developments before they reach their competitor’s shelves.  Always a popular destination at Diversified UK’s London trade event, visitors to the showcase on Sunday 14 October will also be able to vote for their favourite best new natural beauty product, new health food product, new health & nutrition product, and new eco & sustainable product.  Once the votes are counted, the lucky winners of Natural Products Scandinavia’s first ever Innovation Awards will then be announced later that same day at 4.30pm during the show’s complimentary drinks reception at the HKC Cafe.

Other first day highlights – after the show has been officially opened at 9am by Lari Pitkä-Kangas, president and deputy Mayor of Malmö Fairtrade City – include a packed programme of free Keynotes across two dedicated theatres.  Hosted by leading industry speakers, The Nordic Self Care Conference (14-15 October) includes sessions by TV personality Lene Hansson from Denmark, business consultant Stefan Engeseth from Sweden, super food guru Mikael Makinen from Finland, Yanna Barakova and Plamen Barakov from Bulgaria, Simon Pettman, Geeta Sidhu Robb, and retail trainer Alf Dunbar from the UK, to mention just a few.

Those visitors unable to attend on Sunday will be sure to find plenty to keep them busy at the show on the Monday.  Keynote highlights at the show’s Natural Beauty Conference on 15 October include sessions by leading natural health and beauty authority Iréne von Arronet, Jorgen Gade Hyldgaard from Hygade Aps on organic and natural cosmetic certification in Denmark; Marit Göransson from the association of professional skin therapists in Sweden – SHR (Sveriges Hudterapeuters Riksorganisation); and Amarjit Sahota, president of Organic Monitor in the UK, who’ll be discussing major trends and developments in the European/Nordic market for natural and organic cosmetics.

Natural Products Scandinavia will be held in Malmö, Sweden, in the new Malmömässan this weekend.  The show is open from 9am to 5pm on both Sunday and Monday, 14-15 October.  Attending the event is free for trade visitors.

[Text/Logo: Natural Products Scandinavia]

InterCHARM MILANO

“Demonstrating how this exhibition is fast becoming the leading event in the Hair sector are the many companies who have already confirmed their participation. These include ALFAPARF MILANO, CERIOTTI, COSMEC – BES Beauty & Science, FARMEN, KAARAL, KARISMA, KEMON, KLERAL SYSTEM, MUSTER & DIKSON, NUOVA FAPAM, PAUL MITCHELL, VEZZOSI,” says Maurizio Morra, InterCHARM MILANO Exhibition Development Manager.

Alongside the big events by OMC – HAIRWORLD 2012, which is without a doubt the top event in the international hairstyling world, and the INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP, the first competition dedicated to students from schools belonging to associations in the various member countries of the Organisation Mondiale Coiffure – InterCHARM MILANO will be presenting an incomparable programme of HAIR events.

The spotlight during the MILANO HAIR SHOW will be on the big hairstyling brand names. ALFAPARF MILANO, BES Beauty & Science, KEMON, PAUL MITCHELL, Tagliati X il Successo SCREEN will all be presenting spectacular 90-minute hair-fashion shows, during which world-renowned hairstylists will be giving their interpretation of unmistakable brand styles. In addition to this there will be the Italian finale of the Hair Show & Trend Vision Award by WELLA.

Completing the line-up of events dedicated to hairstyling professionals in this third edition of InterCHARM MILANO is Hair SPOTLIGHT. Set in an area with maximum visibility and accessible to all visitors in Hall 4, there will be a professionally equipped stage to present exclusive shows by some of the brand companies taking part in the trade exhibition, and their hairstylists. There will be showcases and tutorials, presentations as well as special sessions, all dedicated to the very latest in products, colour and accessories.

[Text/Logo: InterCHARM MILANO]

InterCHARM MILANO

A team of beauty bloggers will be the characters in a series of episodes featuring the various different areas of the trade show, involving the professionals who will be sharing their expertise during InterCHARM MILANO and making their precious contribution to the series. Beauty Secrets will open an unexpected and curious window onto one of the most eagerly-anticipated trade shows of the Autumn/Fall season in Milan.

During the three-day trade show, beauty bloggers and influencers will be following the main activities and events at InterCHARM MILANO (HAIRWORLD 2012, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP, Milano Hair Show, HAIR Spotlight, CHARM MakeUp, InterCHARM MILANO Beauty Congress and CHARM eXperience), documenting everything with photo and video cameras, and also allowing those who will not be able to attend to discover the secrets of the beauty professionals.

Beauty Secrets will make it possible for people to follow the trade show via the bloggers, the beauty aficionados, who will be giving their own interpretation of the exhibition and presenting all the very latest, live from InterCHARM MILANO, with short videos and photos, sharing content in real time via the web and social networks.

It will be possible to follow the series on trade show days on InterCHARM MILANO’s YouTube channel, Facebook and Twitter.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/InterCHARMMILANO

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IntercharmMilano2011

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/intercharmmilan

[Text/logo: InterCHARM MILANO]

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The opening comes at a key time for the brand, as it rolls out its presence in Asia, a major strategic avenue for international expansion leading up to the launch in China over the first half of 2013.

The opening of the new Boutique is one in a line of very strong moves for the Asian market: a brand relaunch in Taiwan in 2011 and the relaunch of the brand in Singapore and Korea by the end of 2012. The boutique was conceived by the very talented designer Noe Duchaufour-Lawrance.

“The concept which has been developed for 3 years for the YSL architectural identity pays homage to the couture designer Yves Saint Laurent .The principal of this architecture resumes a hidden richness open to a select few in a closed-door intimacy. A black, massive monolith reveals a gold core in a game of pure geometry, a daring construction of asymmetry and proportion. For the YSL boutique , this concept is opened with a specific/singular language to each segment :  skin-care, perfume and make-up » said Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance.

Having partnered Yves Saint Laurent Beauty since 2009, working on the brand’s retail design identity and on packaging, he is taking the YSL Beauty design a step further with the opening of the brand’s first stand-alone Beauty boutique in Hong Kong at the end of July 2012.

The 600 sq ft boutique, located on the ground floor of Pacific Place, one the most famous shopping malls in Hong Kong, will feature the newest expression of Yves Saint Laurent in Make-Up with a “dramatic” make-up consultation area, and in fragrances with a new olfactory discovery path (including new fragranced ceramics).

“Asia for us is strategic to position the brand in the top 5 selective brands in the mid term”, said Stephan Bezy, International General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauté. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance and to open this exciting beauty boutique in Hong Kong.”

[Text/photo: Yves Saint Laurent]

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Commenting on the figures, Mr Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and CEO of L’Oréal, said:
“L’Oréal recorded a good first half. In a market which reflects contrasting trends but is favourable overall, all branches, divisions and geographic zones achieved growth.
L’Oréal Luxe is confirming its very good performance, thanks to the major successes of Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl’s and the Designer Fragrances. Active Cosmetics is accelerating significantly, driven by its international dynamics. The Consumer Products Division has achieved solid growth. The rejuvenation of The Body Shop is generating more substantial growth.
The rise of the New Markets, now our number one geographic zone, is continuing, driven by the dynamism of Asia and Africa, Middle East. North America is growing fast, with large market share gains and the strategic acquisition of Clarisonic. Eastern Europe is continuing its recovery, and the group is improving its positions in the major countries of Western Europe.
The first half confirms the relevance of our strategic thrusts, and the innovative power of L’Oréal. Our initiatives plan is solid.
Despite the uncertain economic environment, we are confident in the group’s ability to outperform the market in 2012, and to achieve another year of solid growth in both sales and profits.”

Like-for-like, i.e. based on a comparable structure and identical exchange rates, the sales growth of the L’Oréal group was +6.0%. The net impact of changes in consolidation was +0.7%. Currency fluctuations had a positive impact of 3.8%. If the exchange rates at June 29th, 2012, i.e. €1 = $1.2683, are extrapolated up to December 31st, the impact of currency fluctuations on sales would be approximately +4.2% for the whole of 2012. Growth at constant exchange rates was +6.7%. Based on reported figures, the group’s sales at June 30th, 2012 amounted to 11.21 billion euros, an increase of +10.5%.

Sales of the L’Oréal Luxe Division increased by +10.4% like-for-like. Growth based on reported figures came out at +17.9%, reflecting the impact of the acquisition of Clarisonic. L’Oréal Luxe is growing in all categories, and is making substantial market share gains.

The Professional Products Division posted growth of +2.9% like-for-like and +7.3% based on reported figures. The first-half highlight was the division’s good performance in the New Markets, particularly in Asia and Eastern Europe.

In the first half, the Active Cosmetics Division delivered growth of +5.4% like-for-like and +6.6% based on reported figures. The division’s sales are accelerating in North America and the New Markets.

At end-June, The Body Shop recorded like-for-like growth at +5.4% and +10.8% based on reported figures.

Multi-division summary by geographic zone

WESTERN EUROPE
In a flat to slightly negative market, L’Oréal recorded positive sales growth at +0.8% like-for-like and +1.9% based on reported figures. This figure reflects contrasting trends, with good scores in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Travel Retail and negative trends in the countries of Southern Europe.

NORTH AMERICA
In North America, L’Oréal achieved growth of +7.3% like-for-like and +17.8% based on reported figures in the first half of 2012. L’Oréal Luxe made a very good start to the year, thanks to Yves Saint Laurent, the launch of The Big Pony Fragrance Collection for Women by Ralph Lauren and the integration of Clarisonic. The Consumer Products Division continued to make market share gains, particularly with Maybelline, L’Oréal Paris and Essie in make-up, and Garnier in facial skincare. The Professional Products Division is growing faster than the market, thanks to the good scores of Kérastase and the relaunch of Pureology. The Active Cosmetics Division is continuing its breakthrough in the United States, driven by SkinCeuticals.

NEW MARKETS
At end-June 2012, the New Markets recorded growth of +10.2% like-for-like and +14.2% based on reported figures.

Asia, Pacific:
L’Oréal recorded growth figures of +12.5% like-for-like and +21.9% based on reported figures. Despite a slowdown in South Korea and Taiwan, and to a lesser extent China, the group’s sales trend remains lively, particularly in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Thailand. Japan meanwhile is recovering, following the disaster which hit the country in the spring of 2011. Overall, L’Oréal is continuing to outperform its market, strengthening its positions in this zone. All the divisions are growing, particularly L’Oréal Luxe, with Kiehl’s, Lancôme and Yves Saint Laurent. At Consumer Products, Maybelline is performing very well in China, in India and the ASEAN countries.

Eastern Europe:
With sales growth of +3.1% like-for-like at end-June, L’Oréal has returned to growth, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. Kazakhstan is still extremely dynamic. The Professional Products Division is continuing to win over new hair salons. The Consumer Products Division has introduced winning initiatives: the new hair colourant Color Sensation and BB Cream by Garnier; and Elvive Triple Resist enriched with Arginine haircare by L’Oréal Paris.

Latin America:
Latin America recorded first half growth of +8.2% like-for-like, driven by L’Oréal Luxe and Active Cosmetics. Trends were favourable in all the countries in this zone, particularly in Central America, Argentina and Mexico, thanks in particular to the dynamic sales trends of Maybelline and the success of Elvive Triple Resist enriched with Arginine by L’Oréal Paris. The trend in Brazil is still suffering from a very high comparison base, and stiffer competition in haircare.

Africa, Middle East:
In the first half, the zone recorded growth of +17.2% like-for-like, and +18.2% based on reported figures, boosted by the Consumer Products and L’Oréal Luxe divisions, and by the good dynamics in the Middle East. Several countries in this zone are growing very strongly, particularly the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan. The new L’Oréal subsidiary based in Kenya is beginning its expansion in East Africa.

The Consumer Products Division achieved sales growth of +4.7% like-for-like, and +8.1% based on reported figures, and made substantial market share gains in Western Europe and North America.

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Read on…

03/2012: L’Oréal Germany’s growth outstrips the market for the third year in succession

12/2011: L’Oréal opens a new subsidiary in Kenya

11/2011: L’ORÉAL: solid 3rd quarter results

08/2011: L’Oréal Executive Committee: Two changes effective from the 1st October

07/2011: L’Oréal: First-half 2011 sales GOOD GROWTH DYNAMICS

As an Oscar-winning actress, accomplished singer, celebrated lifestyle and fashion icon, cookbook author, entrepreneur, wife and mother, Gwyneth Paltrow is the epitome of today’s multi-faceted modern woman and the perfect ambassador for BOSS Fragrances, which are synonymous with inspiring people to achieve their potential for success. Confident, self-assured, hard-working and supremely successful, her flawless style, charisma and elegant femininity make her the natural expression of BOSS Nuit Pour Femme.

“We are delighted to welcome Gwyneth Paltrow to the HUGO BOSS family as the face of our new BOSS Black female signature scent. Her effortless style, captivating beauty and remarkable achievements make her a true icon of female success; and just as BOSS Nuit Pour Femme is the perfect complement to a woman’s ultimate night out, she is the perfect complement to BOSS Fragrances.” Gerd Von Podewils, Global Marketing Director for HUGO BOSS Fragrances, P&G Prestige

“We strongly believe in the ongoing and future success of our Womenswear and I’m extremely excited that BOSS Fragrances will complement this success by staging a major launch into the world of female fragrance with BOSS Nuit Pour Femme, starring globally acclaimed actress Gwyneth Paltrow.” Claus-Dietrich Lahrs, CEO HUGO BOSS AG

The daughter of Tony Award-winning actress, Blythe Danner, Gwyneth followed in her mother’s footsteps, making her stage debut at just five years old. Following a string of illustrious starring roles in films such as The Pallbearer (1996), Emma (1996), Great Expectations (1998), and Sliding Doors (1998) she confirmed her superstar status with an inspired performance in 1998′s Shakespeare in Love that won her a Best Actress Oscar, a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, firmly establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. She earned a further Golden Globe nomination for her role in Proof (2005), and won an Emmy Award in 2011 for her role as Holly Holliday in the TV show Glee.

Blessed with multiple talents, Gwyneth Paltrow has also enjoyed success as a singer, debuting her talent to the world in the 2000 film Duets, in which she performed a cover version of Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin’” that was released as a single and went to number one in Australia. She is also the owner of the lifestyle company Goop.com and author of a cookbook My Father’s Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness. Gwyneth Paltrow has been married since 2003 and has two children.

[Text/Photo:P&G Prestige]