Image: Geraldine Howard of Aromatherapy Associates

UK-based product house Aromatherapy Associates has acquired consulting business Spa Strategy.

Aromatherapy Associates president Geraldine Howard said the acquisition will enable the company to expand its services by providing a spa and wellbeing consulting service to its customers.

Howard said: "I have wanted to add a spa consulting service to our business for some considerable period.

"Finding the right partner to work with was essential to ensure that we provide our spas with not only the finest quality award winning products, signature menus and treatments, but also business development recommendations and highly skilled support to help our partners get the very best from their businesses."

Spa industry veteran Elaine Fenard - currently the managing partner of Spa Strategy - will remain a shareholder and managing partner, working closely with Aromatherapy Associates to grow both aspects of the business.

Howard added: "Working with Elaine and offering Spa Strategy consulting services within our portfolio allows us to give our valued accounts the opportunity to do this".

As a result of the deal, Aromatherapy Associates will soon be able to offer market research and feasibility studies; development services; pre and post launch opening services; and technical services, as well as executive coaching services.

Fenard said: "This is an exciting merger capitalising on two highly successful companies. The combination will ensure that our spa partners have access to a service designed to improve efficiency and profits within each spa business which will be essential in these testing economic times."