NZ entrepreneurs to take Aussie skincare global

New Zealand high-tech entrepreneurs join forces to take Australian natural skincare global

Auckland 29th October 2012. Leading skincare company Natalie Group today announced the completion of a significant round of investment. David Ballantyne, whose background is in international corporate finance, and Selwyn Pellett, current CEO of Imarda and a founder of publically listed Endace, are the lead investors in the latest round of funding for Natalie Group. CEO and Natalie Group founder Claire Mitchell made the announcement during her recent trip to New Zealand.

Mitchell took over the small, ailing Brisbane-based company in 2009 and has transformed the business over the past three years, overhauling all operational aspects and launching a fresh, clean, new brand image that truly reflects the quality of the Natalie Group range. This has resulted in the rapid uplift in sales that has caught the eye of seasoned investors.

Both Ballantyne and Pellett credit Mitchell’s passion, drive, vision and experience as the leading reasons they were individually attracted to invest in the Natalie Group.

Pellett has had a long association with Mitchell and felt it was easy to back her in a business that she was so obviously passionate about.

“Like all good founders Claire didn’t rest on her relationships to attract investment. Her experience as a CFO in taking a company through to listing on the stock exchange in the UK shows she understands global markets. Claire has educated her prospective investors in the opportunities, including the enormous demand from China and US for high-quality natural skincare. It took a trip to China earlier this year to impress upon me the scale of the opportunity but I was convinced.”

Ballantyne was equally impressed with Mitchell’s drive, enthusiasm and opportunity for rapid global expansion.

“I didn’t know much about natural skin care but it was obvious Claire did, and with her track record and a nod from my wife after testing the products, I invested,” he said.

Mitchell said this initial round of funding has already resulted in a doubling of sales, with September being another record month. This follows her recent appearance on Channel 9’s A Current Affair http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8530528

“The opportunities in front of us are huge as new markets such as China and US and Canada open up. It’s great being able to plan my business growth to take advantage of these market opportunities knowing I have such supportive investors,” Mitchell said.

ENDS

About Natalie Group

Natalie Group is one of Australia’s leading and established natural beauty, skin and body care and aromatherapy manufacturers. The NAT. range is a result of the optimum use of the therapeutic powers of pure botanicals, extensive scientific research and cutting edge technology. Utilising the best from nature and science, all NAT. products are derived from pure essential oils, and carry with them the incredible powers that only nature can provide. The range has been specifically designed to restore balance, beauty, health and wellness for both men and women. http://nataliegroup.com/

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