Though Estee Lauder has taken a minority stake for an undisclosed sum in the Indian company founded by Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials will now be a part of its portfolio, which includes popular brands like Aramis, Clinique, Origins, MAC, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan and, of course, Estee Lauder.

The American beauty firm has increased its presence abroad over the last years. CEO William P. Lauder has frequently stressed international is becoming a larger portion of the firm's business (Lauder currently does 55 percent of its sales outside North America). The company launched its products in India in July 2005. A MAC Cosmetics store was opened in Mumbai in and a freestanding Estée Lauder unit opened there recently. In addition, Clinique, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan and Aramis have also entered the market.

The Forest Essentials brand is rooted in ayurvedic principles of natural purity. Products are manufactured in the heart of the Himalaya Mountains. The company was founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni, who is the chief executive officer. The product range has grown beyond 100 stockkeeping units, which are now retailed in seven Forest Essentials freestanding stores, along with hotels and spas. Two more freestanding stores are expected to open soon, with plans for six more by year end and a total of 35 by the end of 2010.

The stake gives Estee Lauder a strong presence in the top end of the rapidly expanding beauty business in India. Forest Essentials, in turn, will be able to spread its wings into markets other than India with help from Estee Lauder.