Liliane Bettencourt “A small change makes a big difference”

Quick Factfile French Businesswoman and philanthropist the principal shareholder of L’Oréal since 1957 is member of the board of directors of L’Oréal since 1995 has shares at Nestlé L’Oréal had € 17,5 billion consolidated sales in 2009 L’Oréal has operations in over 130 countries

Business Areas L’Or éal - world’s largest cosmetics and beauty company – Paris it is famous for its cosmetic and dermatological activities it operates 42 manufacturing plants throughout the world L’Oréal was ranked 353 in Fortune Global 500 in 2007 Bettencourt Schueller Foundation – support and develop medical, educational and humanitarian projects

Family Background The only child of Eugène Schueller, the founder of L'Oréal Her mother died when she was five years old Close bond with her father Married French politician André Bettencourt Only one daughter, Françoise Inherited her father business, L’Oréal

Education At the age of 15, she joined her father’s company as an apprentice, mixing cosmetics and labeling bottles of shampoo

First Business Success Apprenticeship at L’Oréal She became deputy chairman of L’Oréal Director of L’Oréal L’Oréal expended internationally under the instigation of the Chairman François Dalle. In 1987, L'Oréal and 3 Suisses founded Le Club des Créateurs de Beauté -mail order sales

Major Business Successes L’Oréal purchased Synthélabo in 1973 In 2006 L’Oréal purchased cosmetic company The Body Shop Director at L’Oréal India Pvt.Ltd- 2007 L’Oréal – consumer products, luxury products, professional products, active cosmetics. Bettencourt Schueller Foundation – active in the effort to treat HIV and AIDS provides awards in the medical area

Business Philosophy “ Because we’re worth it” “ WE” – stronger consumer involvement She believed that everyone aspires to beauty. L’Oréal mission is to help men and women realise this aspiration and help them express their individual personalities “Our challenge is to listen to women and men all around the world and anticipate their dreams.”

Personality Traits Exchanged half of her stake for a three per cent (3%) stake in Nestlé S.A Her husband had been member of La Cagoule Although she is a very reserved person and doesn’t like to give interviews, since 2007 she has faced intense media scrutiny and publicity. She was the first investor in a fund managed by Access International Advisors She has been involved in a high-level French political scandal

Worldwide Recognition She transformed L’Oréal in an international company She is the richest woman in Europe, the third richest women in the world and the second richest person in France She is the 17th in the Forbes Top of the Richest persons in the world, having a net worth approximately US$ 20 billion

Illustrative Quote    It is not difficult to have an idea, but to put it into practice (« le difficile n'est pas d'avoir une idée, mais de la réaliser« )

Our Personal Opinion In my opinion this French businesswoman has shown to the world that it is important to get involved in your projects and to encourage young people to follow their dreams because they represent the future. She has become successful by respecting her principals and caring about the customers needs. Bianca Duţu I consider that Liliane Bettencourt is a role model for all women because she has succeeded in this tough world of business. Loredana Muntiu Clasa a XII-a A