Mon, 09 Feb 2026

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 Make-up brand Barry M bought by rival Warpaint

The cosmetics and nail varnish line was one of the last family-owned make-up firms in the UK.

* Warpaint has acquired Barry M, a UK-based cosmetics company, out of administration for £1.4m.
* The takeover will result in the closure of Barry M's factory in London and puts 100 jobs at risk.
* Analysts say Barry M struggled to innovate and was overtaken by competitors, particularly in terms of social media marketing.
* The market has shifted towards "skin-first finishes" and "hybrid products", making it harder for brands like Barry M to compete.
* Warpaint's takeover will increase its sales by expanding its reach in stores, but underlying profit is expected to fall due to a "challenging consumer environment".
* The deal follows Warpaint's acquisition of other brands last year, including Fish Soho and Dirty Works.
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