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 JSE-listed Clicks Group and ARC dates back to 2021, when the group acquired its initial shareholding. The shareholding was increased to 25.7% in 2025.
Clicks’ share price nudged up 0.2% on Monday morning to R211.50, a price that had risen by more than 11% since 14 September. A year earlier, the share had been trading at R354.26.
Clicks’ management said in a statement on Monday that the existing shareholders would remain invested in ARC, while the current executive management had committed to remaining with the business until at least 2028.
This would provide continuity of management and shareholder alignment as ARC continues to expand.
Founded in 2020, ARC currently has 12 stores in major shopping malls across the country, together with a strong online presence.
The Sandton City outlet claims to be the largest beauty store in Africa. ARC plans to increase its store footprint to between 20 and 30 stores over the medium term, the statement said.
ARC is positioned as a specialist premium beauty retailer, with a curated portfolio of international prestige brands across fragrance, skincare, makeup, haircare, and bath and body.
ARC CEO Jamie Lane said the shareholders and partners recognised that ARC’s unique culture — entrepreneurial, customer-focused, innovative, and brand-led — was 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,” said Lane.
Clicks Group CEO Bertina Engelbrecht said: “The acquisition of a controlling stake in ARC provides the group with increased exposure to the growing premium beauty market, which is valued at more than R6 billion annually.”
She said ARC had established a differentiated position in the premium beauty market and that Clicks Group saw potential to grow the business and 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,” she said.
ARC has been an affiliate partner of Clicks ClubCard since 2021. In the past year, spending by ARC customers at Clicks 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 customer convenience.