TikTok Expands UK Operations, L’Oréal Acquires Medik8 and Unilever China Appoints New Chairman

Unilever China Appoints New Legal Representative and Chairman

Unilever China has recently updated its business registration. Zhong Zhaomin stepped down as legal representative and chairman, succeeded by Roland Polaroid Hutabarat. Founded in August 1999 with a registered capital of approximately $310 million, the company is wholly owned by Unilever China Investment Co. Its business includes the sale and production of personal care products, hair accessories, cosmetics, and daily chemical products.

TikTok Expands UK Operations With New Office and Increased Investment

On June 9, TikTok announced plans to expand its UK operations, including a new London office and over 500 new jobs, bringing its UK headcount to 3,000. The company’s investment in UK infrastructure will total around 140 million pounds. TikTok Shop has become one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms in the UK, with over 1.5 million SMEs contributing 1.6 billion pounds to the UK economy. The expansion is part of TikTok’s broader European growth strategy, which includes new markets and data centers.

Guess Reports Revenue Growth in Q1 FY 2026

Guess reported a 9 percent year-over-year revenue increase to $648 million in Q1 FY 2026, with currency-adjusted growth reaching 12 percent. The acquisition of Rag & Bone contributed significantly to performance, though the company posted an adjusted operating loss of $26 million. Guess is exiting the Greater China market and reducing North American store count. It expects full-year revenue growth of 5.5 percent to 7.4 percent.

Manner Collaborates with Shanghai International Film Festival

Chinese coffee brand Manner will participate in the upcoming Shanghai International Film Festival, offering an immersive experience that blends coffee culture with global cinema. From June 10 to 16, Manner will release a limited-edition “Light & Shadow” Orange Blossom Latte nationwide. Customers purchasing a latte in-store, via app, or delivery will receive a co-branded glass cup featuring a film reel design to celebrate the festival.

Authentic Brands Group Establishes APAC Headquarters in Shanghai

Authentic Brands Group has officially opened its Asia-Pacific (APAC) headquarters in Shanghai to support its growing brand portfolio and network of best-in-class partners across the region. The new 2,000-square-meter office includes immersive showrooms and a dedicated Style Studio, an executive lounge and state-of-the-art features. This expansion aligns with Authentic’s global-local strategy and follows the launch of its EMEA headquarters in 2024. The group manages over 50 brands, including Reebok, David Beckham, and Champion.

L’Oréal Acquires Majority Stake in UK Skin Care Brand Medik8

L’Oréal has acquired a majority stake in UK-based premium skin care brand Medik8, with previous owner Inflexion retaining a minority share. Medik8 founder Eliot Isaacs and its management team will remain with the company. The deal, reportedly valued at around €1 billion, is intended to strengthen L’Oréal’s Luxe portfolio and expand Medik8’s global presence. Medik8’s 2025 revenues are projected to reach $115 million, with its Crystal Retinal serum and CSA Philosophy driving growth.

BAIC Group Reports Vehicle Sales Growth in May

BAIC Group reported sales of 134,700 vehicles in May 2025, up 1.61 percent year-on-year and 6.61 percent month-on-month. Cumulative sales from January to May reached 662,700 units, a 6.35 percent increase year-on-year. Notable performers included Arcfox with over 13,500 units sold, up 200 percent, Beijing Off-road with over 11,000 units sold, up 19 percent, Stelato with more than 2,000 units delivered.

Kidswant, Giant Biogene Acquire Hairology

Kidswant, a leading Chinese mother and baby retailer, announced a 1.65 billion RMB joint acquisition of Hairology, a hair care brand, alongside Giant Biogene and two individual investors. Hairology, which operates over 2,500 stores, reported 723 million RMB in 2024 revenue. The move aligns with Kidswant’s broader strategy to diversify into personal care and lifestyle segments amid slowing birth rates and rising operational costs. The acquisition also aims to enhance product synergies and leverage cross-channel membership integration.