Estée Lauder vs L'Oréal | Telephone, Telegraph, Tell-A-Woman | 1

Business Wars

Wondery

History, Business, David Brown, Management

4.6 • 13.2K Ratings

🗓️ 3 February 2021

⏱️ 29 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

It’s 1946, and after years of building a cult following thanks to free samples and loyal customers, Estée Lauder finally has an opportunity to join the big leagues. She can now sell her high-quality makeup products in department stores in New York City. Unphased by competitors with deeper pockets and wider distribution, she possesses a passion for making women feel beautiful that sets her apart.

Meanwhile, in Paris, chemist Eugène Schueller’s hair company L'Oréal is thriving thanks to his top-notch formula for synthetic hair dye. But as World War II comes to an end, rumors that he supported the Nazis threaten the empire he has built.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey, prime members, you can listen to business wars, add free on Amazon music.
0:04.8	Download the app today.
0:07.0	It's 1950, and at a chic restaurant in New York City,
0:20.2	candlelight is casting a soft blow on Estay Lauder.
0:23.9	The 42-year-old petite blonde is impeccably dressed and made up.
0:28.0	The epitome of Manhattan glamour.
0:30.4	She's sitting across from Revlon's CEO Charles Rebson, a stern-looking businessman whose
0:36.0	anger her face matches the crisp folds of his expensive suit.
0:40.8	But Lauder knows Rebson didn't invite her to dinner to socialize.
0:45.1	After all, she's an up-and-comer in the cosmetics business.
0:47.9	He's an established veteran, founder of one of the most successful companies in the game.
0:53.6	She's not quite sure why she's here, but she's honored and amused to be offered a seat
0:59.6	at the table.
1:01.9	As they settle into their minestrone suit, Rebson makes his move.
1:06.7	He leans towards her.
1:08.6	I want to buy your company for a million dollars.
1:11.9	Lauder looks up, stunned by the offer.
1:15.3	On a good week, her sales total around $300 per store, irrespectable, but modest some
1:22.0	compared to the multi-million dollar annual revenue enjoyed by Revlon.
1:26.2	Oh, Charles, I'm flattered by your offer.
1:29.9	Truly, I am.
1:30.9	But tell me, why would I sell my legacy?
	...

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