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<p><strong>As with any investment, your capital is at risk.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Tell us about the company.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Katie Muir:</strong> It all started with French chemist, Eugène Schueller who founded a small hair dye company that grew into the largest beauty company in the world, L'oréal.</p>
<p>The company has travelled far from its origins, and today has a unique footprint operating in 150 countries, across all beauty categories and distribution channels.</p>
<p>Its portfolio of around 40 brands spans every price point—from consumer staples to luxury—and its commitment to innovation and sustainability (with more than 4000 researchers around the world) keeps it ahead of consumer trends and demands.</p>
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<p><strong>What makes the stock special?</strong></p>
<p>There are many reasons why we like L’Oréal as a holding. The company has been part of Baillie Gifford client portfolios for more than 30 years. Over the decades of partnership, we can see three key features that have been critical to L’Oréal’s success.</p>
<p>First, is an exceptional corporate culture of experimentation. “Seize whatever is new” is a mantra preached by L’Oréal’s management since the 1960s and has translated to pivotal moves into China and e-commerce.</p>
<p>Second, is its operating structure. Centrally coordinated moves like their 2010 push into digital are backed up by decentralised product and marketing teams who are empowered to make local decisions.</p>
<p>And third, is its family ownership structure. Four generations of Bettencourt-Meyers have influenced L’Oréal’s unique culture while offering valuable shareholder stability.</p>
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<p><strong>What could the future hold?</strong></p>
<p>The global beauty market is estimated to be worth $300bn and is expected to grow around 4 per cent each year. This growth is underpinned by the trends of urbanisation, demographics and a growing middle class.</p>
<p>As the undisputed leader in this highly fragmented market, we believe L’Oréal will continue to take market share by dominating ecommerce, by making strategic acquisitions and tapping into emerging markets, where a billion potential new customers await by 2030.</p>
<p>We feel that the longevity of the growth opportunity, combined with an exceptional culture and attractive financial characteristics is why L’Oréal remains an attractive investment opportunity.</p>
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