Françoise Bettencourt Meyers—though she no longer ranks as the world’s richest woman—continues to amass striking wealth in 2025. Her net worth has climbed to approximately $92.9 billion, marking a dramatic $18.5 billion rise since January—that’s a 24.8% gain during a period of uneven performance across luxury and consumer markets. While her current standing does not match her all-time peak of around $100 billion, according to Bloomberg’s live billionaire tracker, the rebound reflects both market momentum and strategic corporate moves.
As chair of the family holding company Tethys Invest, she owns 34.7% of L’Oréal’s share capital, per the 2023 annual financial report. L’Oréal posted €43.5 billion in revenue last year, equivalent to about $47 billion, anchoring its position across global beauty segments with brands like Lancôme, Garnier, and Kiehl’s. Although the company faced headwinds in certain consumer categories, including laundry and household goods, its core beauty franchise continues to drive long-term value.
Strategic Haircare Expansion: Color Wow Acquisition
A recent high-profile transaction highlights how L’Oréal is actively positioning itself for sustainable future growth: the acquisition of Color Wow, announced June 30, 2025. The U.S.- and UK-based professional haircare brand, known for its cult-favorite products like Dream Coat and XL Bombshell Volumizer, has earned over 130 beauty awards and maintains strong salon and digital credentials.
Color Wow’s launch in 2013 under Gail Federici caught the attention of stylists and online beauty communities with its science-forward, ingredient-rich formulas aimed at frizz control and volumizing—an ideal match for L’Oréal’s emphasis on premium, effective hair care. Although terms remain undisclosed, L’Oréal expects the acquisition to strengthen its professional products division, which delivered €4.8 billion in revenue in 2024, and represents the company’s second-fastest-growing segment after fragrance.
Industry analysts and barbs from reputable sources note that M&A activity in haircare, skincare, and bodycare will likely accelerate through 2026, as consumers increasingly seek efficacy and transparency from ingredient-driven brands. Meanwhile, Color Wow’s strong presence on TikTok, Instagram, and salon distribution aligns with L’Oréal’s strategy of amplifying cult-skinny brands through global scale, deep R&D investment, and digital immersion.
How This Fits into Bettencourt Meyers’ Wealth Ramp-Up
The Color Wow deal forms part of a broader growth narrative that is lifting Bettencourt Meyers’ net worth. Her stake in L’Oréal delivers direct upside from stock price appreciation, and strategic acquisitions help solidify the firm’s future prospects.
In early June, her billionaire wealth climbed an additional $2.5 billion in just 24 hours, reaching about $91.3 billion after shares climbed nearly 5% over one week, reflecting investor optimism tied to acquisitions like Color Wow and prospective deals such as Medik8, a UK-based skincare brand rumored to be closing soon.
Despite fluctuations—including a condominium dip of roughly $291 million in early July—her long-term financial trajectory remains upward.
Legacy, Leadership & Succession
Bettencourt Meyers inherited her family’s holdings after the death of her mother, Liliane, in 2017. French inheritance law guaranteed at least a 50% share, but she now appears to control the entire family portion through her leadership of Tethys Invest.
She has been a board member of L’Oréal since 1997, served as vice-chair since 2020, and will step down at the upcoming general meeting on April 29, 2025. She plans to transition responsibilities to her son, Jean-Victor Meyers, and a new representative from Tethys, Alexandre Benais, ensuring that the family maintains influence over the company’s direction.
Beyond her business role, Bettencourt Meyers authored scholarly works including a five-volume biblical commentary and books on Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian dialogue. She also heads the Bettencourt‑Schueller Foundation, established by her and her mother, which supports science, arts, and humanitarian work—and contributed significantly to the restoration of Notre-Dame after its fire.
Contextual Perspective: Wealth Fluctuations & Market Drivers
At her zenith in June 2024, her wealth topped $100 billion, making her the first woman ever to cross that threshold, according to Bloomberg. However, she later dropped to third-richest female globally after losing around $28 billion as luxury and consumer demand cooled, particularly noting falling share prices in parts of Asia and Africa.
Despite this decline, she remains the second-richest woman worldwide, currently behind Walmart heir Alice Walton. While estimates place her wealth between $80–$95 billion, depending on market volatility, her position consistently validates her financial clout.
Color Wow: A Deeper Look at the Deal
Industry coverage from Vogue Business reports that Color Wow’s anti-frizz innovations cater to a premium, highly engaged consumer base—bolstered by celebrity-endorsed products and strong digital traction. The brand’s prestige positioning and in-depth formulation pipeline make it a strategic complement to L’Oréal’s existing professional brands—Kerastase, L’Oréal Professionnel, and Redken.
Omar Hajeri, head of L’Oréal’s professional division, noted the brand’s proven efficacy and ambition to scale it to global status. Meanwhile, founder Gail Federici acknowledged that L’Oréal’s scale and R&D capabilities will let Color Wow innovate more effectively while preserving its salon roots.
As the deal awaits regulatory approval, analysts forecast accelerating M&A activity in the sector, with companies keen to integrate high-performance, science-backed products within broader distribution systems.
Implications for Tethys and Shareholder Alignment
Under Tethys’ stewardship, Bettencourt Meyers has balanced long-term value creation with corporate governance. The Color Wow acquisition exemplifies this approach: empowering legacy influence while boosting L’Oréal’s runway for innovation.
Her announced exit from the board—and the assured continuity via Jean‑Victor and Tethys representation—signals careful succession planning that preserves the family’s control and strategic oversight.
The Road Ahead: Trends in Beauty and Wealth
In the near term, L’Oréal will lean into Color Wow’s niche—frizz-control, volumizing, and social media–driven growth—while expanding in skincare via potential deals like Medik8. Its portfolio diversification is conscious of shifting consumer preferences toward transparent, high-performing brands.
For Bettencourt Meyers, the success of these acquisitions and stock performance will directly influence her net worth. Should L’Oréal continue to grow in professional haircare and premium skincare, her financial rebound could maintain its upward curve.
Summary Table
| Area | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Net worth growth | Up by $18.5 billion (24.8%) to $92.9 billion YTD |
| Current status | Below $100 billion peak; still one of the richest women globally |
| Color Wow deal | Acquired June 30, 2025; adds premium haircare to L’Oréal |
| Family influence | Controls 34.7% via Tethys; board chair; succession plan underway |
| Strategic positioning | Deepens professional division; bets on science-backed brands |
| Future outlook | Wealth tied to L’Oréal performance, M&A execution, and market trends |
Final Word
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth rebound and Color Wow acquisition encapsulate how legacy mega-families evolve through strategic interventions in high-growth niches. As L’Oréal continues diversifying and aligning with emerging beauty trends, her role—even post-board departure—remains decisive. Her sustained influence through Tethys, combined with market momentum, positions her for continued leadership—both in private wealth and global brand stewardship.
