Cape Town – Clicks Group has increased its shareholding in premium beauty retailer ARC Store to 61% following the acquisition of a further 35.3% interest for R507 million from the founding shareholders.
The relationship between Clicks Group and ARC goes back to 2021 when the group acquired an initial shareholding which was then increased to 25.7% in 2025.
Founded in 2020, ARC is a specialist premium beauty retailer with a portfolio of international prestige brands across the fragrance, skincare, makeup, haircare and bath and body categories.
ARC has 12 stores in major shopping malls across the country together with a strong online presence. The Sandton City outlet is the largest beauty store in Africa. ARC plans to increase its store footprint to between 20 to 30 stores over the medium term.
Following the transaction, the existing shareholders will remain invested in ARC, while the current executive management has committed to remaining with the business until at least 2028. This provides continuity of management and shareholder alignment as ARC continues to expand.
Bertina Engelbrecht, CEO of Clicks Group, said the acquisition of a controlling stake in ARC provides the group with increased exposure to the growing premium beauty market, which is currently valued at more than R6 billion annually.
“ARC has established a differentiated position in the premium beauty market and we see potential to grow the business and to leverage the strengths of both ARC and Clicks. Our increased shareholding gives Clicks greater ability to participate in ARC’s future growth while retaining the founders and management who built the business,” said Engelbrecht.
Jamie Lane, CEO of ARC, said “ARC’s shareholders and partners recognise that the unique ARC culture – entrepreneurial, customer-focused, innovative and brand-led – is fundamental to achieving its ambitious goals. We have crafted a partnership where that culture will remain at the heart of the business as we enter this next phase of growth.”
ARC has been an affinity partner of Clicks ClubCard since 2021. In the past year, spend in Clicks by ARC customers increased by 16% to R836 million. Clicks stores also provide collection points for ARC’s click-and-collect offering, further integrating the two businesses and enhancing convenience for customers.
The proposed transaction is subject to approval by the competition authorities.