Clifford Chance advises Mäurer & Wirtz on the acquisition of Classic Parfums and The Nose Behind

Global law firm Clifford Chance has advised one of Europe’s leading fragrance manufacturers Mäurer & Wirtz on the acquisition of Classic Parfums and The Nose Behind. Classic Parfums and The Nose Behind will continue to operate as independent entities in the luxury and niche segments under the umbrella of Mäurer & Wirtz.

The acquisition, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed on 1 January 2026. This acquisition is another step in Mäurer & Wirtz’s consistent pursuit of transformation and their ambitious growth strategy in the prestige and niche fragrance sector. The development marks a strategic milestone as the second largest acquisition in the history of the company after its purchase of the 4711 brand.

Mäurer & Wirtz is a family-owned business in its sixth generation and one of Europe’s leading houses for high-quality fragrances and personal care products. The company defines the fragrance market in over 100 countries worldwide with tailor-made concepts.

The Clifford Chance team comprised partner Simon Schmid, senior associates Varinia Binn and Ribana Piontek (all Corporate, Düsseldorf), partner Sebastian Ritz, senior associate Alexander Stemmler and associate Max Klein (all Employment, Düsseldorf), partner Gunnar Sachs, associates Pia-Sophie Weber and Niklas Heinkes (all Healthcare & Life Sciences, Düsseldorf), partner Dominik Engl and counsel Claus-Peter Knöller (both Tax, Frankfurt), partner Alex Cook (Corporate, München), trainee solicitor Julia Galera (Global Financial Markets, London), counsel Nicolas Hohn-Hein and associate Marie-Ann Netz (both IP, Düsseldorf), partner Philipp Stoecker and Associate Laura Spohn (both Real Estate, Frankfurt), partner Dimitri Slobodenjuk, senior associate Johannes Lüer and associate Maxim Polo Leon (all Antitrust, Düsseldorf).

Inhouse at Mäurer & Wirtz, the transaction was accompanied by Florian Bongard (Head of Legal), Timo Jansen and Markus Peter (both Legal).