THE Hut Group has acquired the skincare and spa brand ESPA for a deal reportedly in the region of £100 million.

The investment represents another strategic move for The Hut Group as it continues to expand its beauty offering and international reach.

The deal comes less than a month after the Northwich-based company bought beauty brand, Glossybox.

The Hut Group is already Europe’s largest retailer of premium beauty including MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars and Lancôme products through Lookfantastic.com.

It and also owns a host of luxury beauty brands including Mio Skincare, Mama Mio and Grow Gorgeous.

In addition to its presence across the beauty industry, The Hut Group also owns numerous brands across the health sector, including the world’s largest online health brand, Myprotein.

Last month The Hut Group sold a £125 million stake to Old Mutual Global Investors in a deal valuing the company at £2.5 billion.

Matthew Moulding, founder and chief executive officer of The Hut Group, said: “ESPA is an exciting addition to The Hut Group’s growing portfolio of beauty brands.

“Synonymous with luxury, its products are sold in the most prestigious spas and retailers around the globe.

“We intend to invest substantially in the ESPA brand, especially in manufacturing capabilities, to develop the brand into a true global leader in its area.

“Our investment in acquiring the ESPA brand further supports our ambition of becoming the world’s largest online retailer of Health & Beauty products by the end of the year.”

Established in 1993, ESPA products and treatments are sold in more than 700 spas across 50 countries in hotels including ESPA Life at The Corinthia London, top destinations of Ritz Carlton, Peninsula and One&Only.

ESPA products are also sold in luxury retail outlets such as John Lewis, Liberty London and Harvey Nichols.

Sky News are reporting that the deal is worth more than £100 million.

Susan Harmsworth, founder of ESPA, said: “I am delighted with this acquisition which paves the way to an exciting next chapter in our journey.

“I am truly confident that The Hut Group has the passion and expertise to extend ESPA’s holistic philosophy which has been at the heart of our products, spas and treatments for twenty-five years.

“With spas in over 50 countries, this partnership enables us to reach even more customers all over the world.”