A Note From Me
What made K18 irresistible to Unilever?
In December 2023 Unilever announced its intention to acquire K18 and run it as part of Unilever Prestige- their ultra premium personal care portfolio. While details of the deal weren’t disclosed, I calculate that the price approached $1B based on their expected revenue and for multiples paid on similar deals by Unilever. There is no shortage of brands for strategic acquirers like Unilever to look at so what made a 3 year old startup with only a few sku’s worth pursuing?
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What We’re Reading
One of America’s Hottest Commodities Is Probably in Your Trash: Cardboard, often discarded as trash, has become a valuable commodity in the supply chain as businesses seek to meet growing packaging and shipping needs while minimizing their environmental impact. (WSJ)
Amazon looks to improve inbound fulfillment processes in 2024: Amazon continues to invest in its logistics and fulfillment capabilities, particularly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize these processes, resulting in improved efficiency and customer service. (SupplyChainDive)
On the High Seas, a Pillar of Global Trade Is Under Attack: The increasing threat of piracy in the global shipping industry, particularly in the waters off West Africa, where attacks on vessels have surged. Pirates are becoming more sophisticated, posing a significant challenge to maritime security and the flow of goods through these critical trade routes. (WSJ)
UPS to cut 12,000 jobs, may sell Coyote brokerage unit: UPS announced it will consider strategic options for its Coyote Logistics unit, including a possible sale, and plans to cut 12,000 jobs in 2024 as part of its “Fit to Serve” initiative. These moves come as the company reevaluates its portfolio and aims to save around $1 billion amid changing revenue streams and market conditions. (FreightWaves)
23andMe’s Fall From $6 Billion to Nearly $0: The impact and contributions of 23andMe to the healthcare industry under Anne Wojcicki’s leadership. (WSJ)
It’s Mexico’s big moment, but violence and truck-jackings are scaring away investors: Mexico is currently at a pivotal moment for attracting investment, yet it faces significant challenges due to rising violence and frequent truck jackings, which deter investors. These security concerns are overshadowing Mexico’s potential and impacting its appeal to foreign and domestic investors. (TheHill)
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New Episode of E-commerce on Tap
Welcome to Season 3 of Ecommerce On Tap! In our first episode, we’re thrilled to introduce our new co-host, Aaron Alpeter from izba, bringing his expertise in logistics and supply chain management to the show.Join us as Aaron and I share our unique factory visit experiences, revealing insights and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Ever wondered how a factory visit can change your perspective on a product? Hear how my experience did just that with Beanie Babies.
