TL;DR
Get beauty and skincare favorites delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Clicks Group has agreed to acquire an additional 35.3% stake in ARC Store for R507 million, taking its interest in the South African premium beauty retailer to 61%. The deal is subject to competition authority approval; ARC’s existing shareholders will remain invested and its executives have committed to stay through at least 2028.
Clicks Group has agreed to acquire an additional 35.3% stake in ARC Store for R507 million, raising its holding in the South African premium beauty retailer to 61%. The transaction, which remains subject to competition authority approval, would give the pharmacy and retail group control of ARC as the chain pursues further store and online growth.
Clicks first invested in ARC in 2021, then increased its interest to 25.7% in 2025. The newly announced purchase would add 35.3 percentage points to that holding. Global Cosmetics News reported the transaction terms, citing Clicks Group as its source.
Founded in 2020, ARC operates 12 stores across South Africa and sells through an e-commerce business. Its range spans prestige fragrance, skincare, make-up, hair care, and bath and body brands. ARC plans to grow its store network to between 20 and 30 locations over the medium term, although the source report does not specify a timetable for reaching that range.
ARC’s existing shareholders are expected to remain invested after the deal, and the retailer’s executive management has committed to stay with the business until at least 2028. The reported purchase price is R507 million. Completion is not confirmed: approval from the competition authority is still required.
A 61% holding would give Clicks a controlling position in a retailer focused on the premium beauty segment, adding ARC’s brand portfolio, stores and online operation to its broader retail interests. The report says South Africa’s premium beauty market is valued at more than R6 billion annually; it does not provide a valuation methodology or further market data.
For ARC, the proposed change brings a major retail group into the controlling position while current shareholders remain involved. Clicks’ investment could support ARC’s stated plans to expand both its physical store network and e-commerce business, but the source material does not detail any specific funding, operating changes or expansion schedule.
From Minority Stake to Control
Clicks began investing in ARC in 2021. Its stake reached 25.7% in 2025, before the latest agreement to buy a further 35.3%. The sequence marks a move from a minority position to a proposed majority holding, subject to regulatory approval.
ARC was founded in 2020 and has built a South African presence through a combination of 12 retail stores and online sales. Its offer covers several beauty categories, positioning it in the premium market described in the source report. The announced medium-term aim of 20 to 30 stores would mean expanding beyond its current footprint, though no opening dates or locations have been disclosed.
“Clicks Group has increased its stake in South African premium beauty retailer ARC Store to 61 percent after acquiring an additional 35.3 percent interest for R507 million.”
— Clicks Group, as cited by Global Cosmetics News
Approval and Expansion Still Pending
The transaction still requires competition authority approval. The source report does not state when a decision is expected, whether the authority has set conditions, or when the acquisition would close if approved.
It is also unclear how ARC will finance or schedule its planned expansion to 20 to 30 stores, and whether the proposed change in control will affect the retailer’s strategy, brand selection or day-to-day operations. The stated management commitment runs until at least 2028, but no further details on governance or integration were provided.
Competition Review Comes First
The next stated milestone is a decision by the competition authority. Until approval is granted and the transaction completes, Clicks’ holding remains at its existing level rather than the proposed 61%.
If the deal proceeds, ARC’s announced medium-term store target and its ongoing online business will be measures of how the retailer develops under Clicks’ control. No completion date, expansion milestones or further transaction terms were included in the source material.
Key Questions
What stake is Clicks seeking in ARC?
Clicks has agreed to acquire an additional 35.3%, which would raise its total interest in ARC to 61%.
How much is the additional stake costing?
The reported purchase price for the additional interest is R507 million.
Has the transaction been completed?
No completion is confirmed. The transaction remains subject to competition authority approval.
How large is ARC’s current store network?
ARC operates 12 stores in South Africa alongside an e-commerce business. It plans to reach between 20 and 30 stores over the medium term.
Will ARC’s current owners and executives leave?
The source report says existing shareholders will remain invested and ARC’s executive management has committed to stay until at least 2028.
Source: rss
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
