Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the L’Oréal fortune and the world’s 20th-richest person, added $2.5 billion to her wealth as of June 5, 2025.
Her total net worth now stands at approximately $91.3 billion, according to the latest financial estimates by Forbes.
The rise comes amid strong momentum in L’Oréal’s stock, which has climbed nearly 5% over the past five days and more than 14% year-to-date.
As of Wednesday morning in Paris, shares were trading at €386.25, reflecting growing investor confidence in the beauty conglomerate’s strategy.
The timing coincides with L’Oréal’s move to expand its skincare empire through a potential €1 billion acquisition of UK-based skincare company Medik8. According to sources close to the matter, a deal is expected to be finalized soon, though timelines could still shift.
Founded in 2009 by scientist Elliot Isaacs, Medik8 produces clinically-backed serums and anti-ageing creams. After its 2021 acquisition by London-based private equity firm Inflexion, the company expanded rapidly, particularly into the U.S. market.
For the year ending September 2023, Medik8 reported £15.6 million in pre-tax profits on £45.3 million in revenue. L’Oréal and Inflexion declined to comment, and JPMorgan, advising on the deal, also withheld comment.
Medik8’s financial performance has been robust, with reported pre-tax profits of £15.6 million on revenues totaling £45.3 million for the fiscal year ending September 2023. This acquisition would complement L’Oréal’s existing portfolio, which includes renowned brands such as La Roche-Posay, SkinCeuticals, and CeraVe. The derma beauty segment has emerged as one of L’Oréal’s fastest-growing divisions, reflecting strong consumer demand for skincare solutions.
What to know
For L’Oréal, the move reflects a continued effort to bolster its premium skincare and “dermocosmetic” portfolio. Under CEO Nicolas Hieronimus, the French beauty giant has been active in the M&A space, purchasing Aesop for $2.5 billion in 2023, acquiring Korean brand Dr.G, and buying a stake in Galderma, a leading name in cosmetic injectables. It also secured the beauty license for Prada’s Miu Miu.
Bettencourt Meyers, who became France’s richest woman after the death of her mother Liliane Bettencourt in 2017, has served on L’Oréal’s board since 1997. In February, she announced plans to step down in 2025. Her family owns over a third of the company’s shares and remains deeply involved in its operations and philanthropic endeavors.
She also chairs the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which champions progress in science and the arts. Following the 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire, the family, alongside L’Oréal, pledged $226 million toward the historic structure’s restoration.
