DUGLAS Group secures partial refinancing of 200 million euros. The DOUGLAS Group has successfully raised a promissory note loan in the amount of 200 million euros. This loan, together with own liquidity, will be used to fully repay an earlier bridge financing of 450 million euros. The company’s strategy aims to reduce debt and increase financial flexibility for further expansion plans.
Measure is part of the company’s long-term strategy
The DOUGLAS Group, a leading provider in the premium beauty sector in Europe, announced on 10 March 2025 that it has secured a partial refinancing through a promissory note loan of 200 million euros. This measure is part of the company’s long-term strategy for financial consolidation and is intended to ensure that the Group can remain competitive and innovative.
Early repayment reduces interest costs by around 3.3 million euros
The new promissory note loan totalling 200 million euros will be used together with 250 million euros in liquidity from the operating business to repay an existing bridge loan of 450 million euros. This bridge loan was raised a year ago in the course of the IPO. Although the DOUGLAS Group had the option of extending the repayment period of the bridge loan by a total of one year, the entire loan was repaid on the first due date. This early repayment led to a reduction in interest costs of around 3.3 million EUR, giving the Group additional financial flexibility.
Douglas – stable financing basis created
The promissory note loan exceeds the originally targeted volume of 150 million EUR. Investors from Germany and other countries participated in the financing, with the four arranging banks also significantly involved. The terms of the loan are between three and seven years. This differentiation in the repayment profile helps the DOUGLAS Group to better distribute its financial obligations and further optimise interest costs.
The company has thus created a stable financing basis that enables it to react to market changes as well as to pursue its own expansion goals. The interest savings resulting from the repayment of the bridge loan can now be used for investments in growth projects.
Repayment of debt from own financial strength as a positive signal
Mark Langer, CFO of the DOUGLAS Group, emphasises the importance of this financing structure for the future development of the company. He explains that the repayment of debt from its own operating liquidity is a sign of the DOUGLAS Group’s financial strength and that the company is committed to reducing its debt.
This strategic orientation is crucial for the DOUGLAS Group to operate successfully in the dynamic market for beauty and cosmetic products. The ability to reduce debt while investing in the core business could further strengthen the company’s innovative power and customer loyalty.
About the DOUGLAS Group
The DOUGLAS Group sells a wide range of beauty products, traditionally through various brands such as DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, parfumdreams and Niche Beauty. With a product mix ranging from fragrances and make-up to skin and hair care products, the company targets consumers both in brick-and-mortar stores and online.
In the 2023/24 financial year, the DOUGLAS Group generated sales of 4.45 billion euros and employed around 19,200 people in Europe. The sustainable omnichannel strategy and a firm focus on the customer experience are key elements of the corporate approach ‘Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026’.
[Text: ecpnews/Photo Douglas]
