[Exclusive] Functional Cosmetics Manufacturer 'Cotde (COTDE)' Seeks Sale

Domestic cosmeceutical manufacturer 'COTDE,' founded by a microbiology expert from Amorepacific, has been put up for sale.

According to the investment banking (IB) industry on the 12th, COTDE is pursuing the sale of its management rights.

COTDE is a bio-venture established in 2000, led by a skin specialist research team composed of skin biologists and dermatologists, along with leading cosmetic researchers in Korea, including those from Amorepacific’s technical research institute. It has its headquarters and research center in Cheonan, Chungnam, and a business site in the Jeju lava seawater complex.

The company exports cosmetics to more than 10 countries worldwide, including the United States, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

COTDE specializes in producing cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are a blend of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, referring to functional cosmetics. The company possesses capabilities in raw material extraction and formula development and operates its own brand.

It produces hundreds of products, including functional cosmetics focused on improving skin troubles, vitamins, and organic cosmetics, supplying them to domestic and international online shopping malls and cosmetic stores. Its sales amounted to 13.6 billion KRW in 2021 and 13.2 billion KRW in 2022. Operating profits for the same period were 4 billion KRW and 3.8 billion KRW, respectively.

As of the end of 2022, the shareholding structure was 55.9% held by CEO Jang Dong-il, 5.24% by CEO Lee Hyun-sook, 35% treasury stock, and 3.36% others. Total assets amounted to 23.1 billion KRW, total liabilities 6 billion KRW, and retained earnings 21 billion KRW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.