The future of Beauty Bay has been secured after the business was sold to an international investment group through a pre-pack administration.

Administrators from Interpath completed the sale of the Manchester-based online beauty retailer and its assets to AA Investments Group on 6 March.

The transaction will see 62 employees transfer to the new owner, while co-founder Arron Gabbie will remain with the business for a short period to support the transition.

Founded in 1999, Beauty Bay has grown into one of the UK’s largest online beauty platforms, offering more than 200 brands across make-up, skincare and K-beauty alongside its own-label range. The retailer serves more than five million customers through its e-commerce platform.

However, the cosmetics retailer has faced mounting pressure in recent months amid ongoing challenges across the UK retail sector, leading to it last month filing for administrators.

Rick Harrison and James Clark of Interpath were appointed joint administrators to Beauty Bay Limited before completing the sale to AA Investments shortly after their appointment.

Commenting on the transaction, co-founders Arron and David Gabbie said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to our brilliant team who have helped to make Beauty Bay everything that it is today.

“Their commitment and support over the last 27 years have been unwavering, no more so than over these past few weeks.”

Interpath managing director and joint administrator Rick Harrison said: “Since its inception in 1999, Beauty Bay has grown to become one of the UK’s leading online beauty retailers, selling well-known cosmetics and cult brands to over five million customers.

“We’re pleased to have concluded this transaction which will see the brand continue under new ownership, and wish everyone connected with the business all the best for the future.”

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