L Catterton acquired a majority stake in premium bath and body care brand Stenders from Chinese investors.WHO: Founded in 2001 by Janis Berzins and Zane Dreimane, Stenders is a Latvian bath and body brand steeped in the country's unique bathing culture that dates back centuries as a practice to wash the body and relax and cleanse the mind. The brand has a portfolio of more than 400 products developed through the lens of safety, sustainability, and functionality, and approximately 300 stores spanning 20 countries.WHY: Consumer trends focusing on holistic well-being, increasingly sophisticated bath and body care rituals, and rising preferences for products made from natural ingredients have been propelling a shift toward premium offerings. The transaction positions Stenders to accelerate its international expansion across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the US.IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Scott Chen, a managing partner at L Catterton, commented, “Consumers are progressively ‘trading up’ in the bath and body care market and we expect the trend to persist as they further gravitate towards such premium products like they have with facial skincare and hand care. Having brand values and stellar products which resonate with its target customers, Stenders has been able to astutely capitalize on this shift. There is still ample headroom for further growth and we look forward to partnering with Stenders’ management team to realize our shared goals.”Stenders Chief Operating Officer Kristine Grapmane added, “This partnership will unlock the next stage of growth for us.