The Stolberg-based perfume and cosmetics group Mäurer & Wirtz GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its portfolio. On Monday, the parent company of the 4711 and Tabac brands announced that it would take over the two perfume suppliers Herbert Stricker Classic Parfums GmbH and The Nose Behind GmbH. The transaction is still “subject to the usual regulatory approvals” and is expected to be completed on January 1, 2026, the group said.
The takeover is a “strategic milestone” for Mäurer & Wirtz, according to a statement. With this step, the family company is “consistently continuing its transformation and ambitious growth strategy in the prestige and niche fragrance sector”.
Classic Parfums and The Nose Behind will therefore continue to be managed as independent units under the Mäurer & Wirtz umbrella even after the takeover has been completed. Herbert Stricker, the founder and CEO of the two companies, will remain “operational managing director for at least three more years” and will “further develop the companies in partnership” with Stephan Kemen, the CEO of Mäurer & Wirtz.
“We invest in expertise, not in assimilation,” Kemen said in a statement. “Herbert Stricker’s companies remain what they have always been – home to exceptional fragrances. Together we are creating the basis to further expand this strength internationally.” With the takeover, the group of companies is taking a big step closer to its goal of “being one of the global top 10 in the fragrance industry”.
According to its own information, Mäurer & Wirtz achieved sales of more than 240 million euros in the last financial year. The group owns own brands such as 4711 Acqua Colonia, Les Destinations and Tabac. The company also holds the fragrance licenses of clothing brands such as S.Oliver, Betty Barclay, Baldessarini and Tom Tailor.