SalonCentric Canada, a subsidiary of L’Oréal Canada, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Canadian assets of Quebec-based distributor Cantin Beauté, expanding its reach in the professional salon market.
The deal will add 25 professional-only stores and 132 employees to SalonCentric Canada’s operations, strengthening L’Oréal Canada’s distribution network in Quebec and broadening access to professional salon products across the country.
The acquisition marks a strategic move by L’Oréal Canada to deepen its presence in the professional haircare segment through SalonCentric Canada, which has operated in the Canadian market since 2023. By integrating Cantin Beauté’s established footprint and relationships, the company aims to increase its service capacity to salons and stylists.
“With more than 125,000 stylists across Canada, the professional hair salon market is highly dynamic,” said Stéphane Bérubé, President and CEO of L’Oréal Canada. “The expansion of SalonCentric demonstrates our commitment to stylists by providing them with an unparalleled selection of products, and above all, exceptional service.”
Cantin Beauté, headquartered in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Que., has operated for more than 70 years and is considered a significant distributor of professional beauty products in the province. The company’s network includes 25 stores and a sales force supporting salon professionals across Quebec.
L’Oréal Canada said the acquisition will allow its Professional Products Division to build on complementary capabilities between the two businesses.
“The arrival of Cantin Beauté will enable the Professional Products Division (PPD) of L’Oréal Canada to leverage the complementarity of our strengths, particularly the depth of our offering,” said Julien Descoteaux, President of the Professional Products Division of L’Oréal Canada. “This partnership allows us to reach a completely new strategic level, in line with the Professional Products Division’s commitment to offer the best products, resources, and services to meet the constantly evolving needs of Canadian stylists.”
SalonCentric Canada currently operates 30 professional-only stores and employs 42 sales consultants. The addition of Cantin Beauté’s retail and distribution network is expected to significantly expand its operational scale, particularly in Quebec, where SalonCentric has been building its presence.
“We are delighted to welcome Cantin Beauté into the SalonCentric Canada family,” said Fabrice Fourteau, President of SalonCentric Canada. “Their commitment to the professional salon industry, and more specifically their exceptional customer service, aligns perfectly with SalonCentric’s mission to provide stylists and salon owners with everything they need to grow their businesses and succeed. This includes offering dynamic and innovative brands and products, as well as digital innovations that inspire and support stylists.”
Cantin Beauté has undergone several changes in recent years, including the acquisition of Montreal-based COSBEC in 2017 and a move to new facilities in 2020 aimed at improving service capabilities. The company has been led by Éric Bouchard since 2010.
Bouchard said the agreement represents a significant shift for the business as it joins a larger global organization.
“This alliance with SalonCentric Canada marks a defining turning point for Cantin Beauté,” said Éric Bouchard, President of Cantin Beauté. “I am proud to join a global leader in the professional hair industry to map out our future path together, combining our strengths with SalonCentric Canada and writing the next chapter of the hair industry together.”
L’Oréal Canada, established in 1958, operates a head office, manufacturing plant and distribution centre in Montreal, along with a sales office in Toronto. The company employs more than 2,000 people in Canada and distributes products across multiple channels, including salons, retail stores and e-commerce platforms.
The transaction is expected to reinforce SalonCentric Canada’s role as a key distribution arm for L’Oréal’s professional products, positioning the combined operations to serve a broader base of salon professionals nationwide.
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