What next for L'Oreal after billionaire heiress dies?
What happens to a business empire when its owner dies?
Thursday's passing of Liliane Bettencourt, the billionaire heiress of L'Oreal founder Eugene Schueller, has thrown the future of the world's leading cosmetics company up in the air.
Bettencourt was closely involved in L'Oreal (LRLCY) for most of her life, presiding over the family's 33% stake.
Now her legacy could be the biggest ownership shakeup in the French firm's 108-year history.
Back in 2004, Bettencourt and Nestle (NSRGF), L'Oreal's second biggest shareholder, agreed that neither of them would increase their stakes in the company during her lifetime, and for six months after her death.
The deal was designed to secure the family's influence over L'Oreal and prevent Nestle mounting a takeover. The agreement will lapse in March 2018.
"Bettencourt dies. Clock is now ticking," analysts at Jefferies wrote in a note.
Bettencourt was closely involved in L'Oreal (LRLCY) for most of her life, presiding over the family's 33% stake.
Now her legacy could be the biggest ownership shakeup in the French firm's 108-year history.
Back in 2004, Bettencourt and Nestle (NSRGF), L'Oreal's second biggest shareholder, agreed that neither of them would increase their stakes in the company during her lifetime, and for six months after her death.
The deal was designed to secure the family's influence over L'Oreal and prevent Nestle mounting a takeover. The agreement will lapse in March 2018.
"Bettencourt dies. Clock is now ticking," analysts at Jefferies wrote in a note.
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