Belle en Mer Revives Aquatonale with Five Marine Beauty

The French marine biotechnology laboratory Aquatonale has been relaunched as Belle en Mer following a takeover. The group, which was placed into administration at the end of 2025, was acquired at the start of the year by Frédérique and Arnaud Le Trionnaire.

Arnaud Le Trionnaire explained the motivation behind the purchase. "We were keen to set up a joint project based on our areas of expertise," he said. His background as a former oyster farmer made the group's marine-focused business a natural fit. A key priority was preserving the skilled thirteen-person team, which has been maintained and supplemented with three new trainees starting in September.

A Portfolio of Five Brands

The new management's strategy centers on strengthening and broadening the group's five existing brands. Each brand targets a distinct segment of the beauty and care market, all use marine-derived ingredients.

The Perlucine brand aims to move beyond organic stores to reach a general audience. For the professional lines, Thalaspa and Beauty Med, several new product launches are planned. The animal-focused Animarine range is undergoing tests with wild animals at zoos in Western France. The previously dormant sports brand, Dorlokin, is being revived.

Major Industrial Investment

To support this expansion, Belle en Mer is making significant industrial investments totaling more than 4 million euros. The company is moving to a new 7,000-square-meter site in south Brittany. This larger facility will increase production and storage capacity. "We are also investing in new equipment," added co-director Frédérique Le Trionnaire.

Further securing its supply chain, the group has purchased a marine clay extraction site south of Nantes. This move ensures consistent quality and reliable access to a key raw material.

Expanding Global Footprint

Belle en Mer is already present in over 40 countries, with a strong footprint in Asia and Africa through private and professional labels. The company's new goal is to diversify its export markets to mitigate risks from international conflicts. A specific target is entering markets in South America.

The year ahead is one of transition. The owners acknowledge it is a period of recovery and upheaval. Yet they express confidence in their prospects. The substantial investments and clear brand strategies define their roadmap for the renamed group's future.