Last Updated on 05/07/2023
Who owns MAC?
Estée Lauder owns MAC Cosmetics. The multinational beauty conglomerate based in New York City, Estee Lauder acquired MAC. Since the acquisition, MAC operates as a standalone brand under the Estée Lauder Companies umbrella.
In a Nutshell
Here is the summary in a tabular form.
| Parent Company | Estee Lauder Company, Inc |
| Founders | Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo |
| Acquisition | 51% Acquired in 1994, 100% in 1998 |
| Headquarters | New York City, USA |
| Country of Origin | Canada |
| Countries Sold in | 120 Countries |
| Countries Produced In | Many |
| Parent Company Cruelty-Free | No |
| Owner Company Vegan | No |
Hey there, makeup mavens! If you’re a fan of MAC Cosmetics, you might be wondering who is behind this popular beauty brand. Well, wonder no more! As a beauty blogger, it is my job to educate you on everything about beauty. So, let’s take a deep dive and find out who owns MAC, the iconic makeup brand.
Who owns MAC? Is the Parent Company Cruelty-Free?
MAC Cosmetics is a global beauty brand known for its high-quality, professional-grade makeup products. Studio Fix and Ruby Woo need no introduction. They are cult-favorite. This 39-year-old brand has expanded to over 100 countries.
Its products are loved by makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. MAC is also popular for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, offering a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones.
History of MAC Cosmetics
We did dig into the cruelty-free status of MAC Cosmetics in another article. Here is a quick summary.
1984 – MAC is founded in Canada.
1994 – Estee Lauder acquired 51% of the shares of MAC Cosmetics and had the business side under its wrap. The founders have the remaining shares and creative control over the beauty brand.
1998 – Estee Lauder acquired the shares after the demise of one of the co-founders. The other co-founder also sold his shares resulting in Estee becoming the sole owner of MAC.
Currently – In the present, Estee is the owner company of MAC.
What company owns MAC?
Estee Lauder gained a controlling interest in MAC in 1994 as it purchased 51% of the total shares. After one of the founder’s demise, it eventually acquired the brand outright in 1998. Since then, MAC is a standalone brand under Estée Lauder.
A graphical breakdown is below.
Who founded MAC?
MAC Cosmetics was founded by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo in 1984 in Toronto, Canada.
Is the Parent Company Cruelty-Free & Vegan?
The parent company, Estee Lauder is not cruelty-free or vegan-friendly. It means that the owning MNC participates in animal testing in some way. Moreover, its products contain animal ingredients. Examples of such ingredients are honey, milk, beeswax, lanolin, tallow, etc.
Where is MAC based?
MAC is a Canadian cosmetics brand founded in Toronto, Canada. Its current headquarter is in New York City, USA as it is a subsidiary of Estee Lauder.
Where are MAC products made?
MAC has manufacturing units in different countries such as Canada, the US, Italy, and Asian countries.
Where are the MAC products sold?
MAC is sold worldwide. It is available in 120 countries. You will find MAC online and offline in South Korea, Canada, India, and France, among other countries. It is also available in stores such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, or Belk in the States.
FAQ
Answering some commonly asked questions below.
MAC is owned by Estee Lauder Inc.
Fabrizio Freda is the current CEO of MAC Cosmetics.
Estee Lauder acquired MAC partially in 1994 and took over completely in 1998 after one of the founders passed away and the other sold his shares.
L’Oreal owns many beauty brands. Consumers often find it confusing. But MAC is not under L’Oreal. It is under Estee Lauder Companies. Just like L’Oreal, Estee owns a bunch of huge beauty brands.
MAC Cosmetics is generally considered a high-end brand, but it cannot be classified as a luxury brand. It is not in the same group as high-end beauty brands like Chanel or Dior. Here is a list of luxury brands that test on animals.
While MAC’s products are more expensive than those you would find in a drugstore, they are often more accessible and affordable than true luxury brands.
That’s a wrap for now. Next, you can find out more about your brands of interest.
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