Ulta Beauty acquired GlamST (augmented-reality virtual try-on) (undisclosed individually; ~$13.6 million combined cash consideration with QM Scientific in fiscal 2018), a transaction completed in October 2018, structured as Acquisition of an augmented-reality technology startup. Ulta's Form 10-K reports it paid $13.6 million to acquire two technology companies in fiscal 2018 (QM Scientific and GlamST) and did not break out the individual purchase price; the acquisition was disclosed as not material to Ulta's consolidated financial statements..
GlamST (augmented-reality virtual try-on) operates in Digital / personalization technology. On October 29, 2018, Ulta Beauty acquired GlamST, an augmented-reality technology company whose virtual try-on technology lets shoppers preview cosmetics digitally. Ulta grouped GlamST with its September 2018 QM Scientific purchase, disclosing a combined ~$13.6 million of cash paid for the two technology companies in fiscal 2018; neither deal was individually material. Ulta described the pair in its Q3 fiscal 2018 earnings release as technology startups in artificial intelligence and augmented reality that support the company's personalization initiatives and accelerate its digital innovation capabilities. GlamST's virtual try-on technology went on to power Ulta's GLAMlab experience.
Brings AR virtual try-on capability in-house to enrich Ulta's digital and in-app beauty experience and accelerate digital innovation, rather than adding revenue or store footprint.
Ulta Beauty digital / e-commerce and personalization technology (GLAMlab virtual try-on)
Advisory firms were not disclosed for this transaction.