Croatian Cosmetic Brand Becomes Part of Futura Medical Group

The cosmetic centers Manuela Picard, founded by a pioneer of aesthetics in Croatia, are becoming part of one of the leading health groups in the region, Futura Medical Group (FMG). With two salons in Zagreb, located in Centar Cvjetni and Gajeva Street, 15 employees, and over 200,000 satisfied clients, the Manuela Picard brand is entering a new phase of business development with the support of new investors, led by Ognjen Bagatin, an experienced serial entrepreneur, co-owner, and director of Futura Partners, under which Futura Medical Group operates.

The rise of cosmetologist Manuela Starčević, better known as Manuela Picard, was preceded by a stay in London, where her clients included some of the world’s most famous women. Upon returning to Zagreb, Manuela’s salons became a true little empire of eyebrows – introducing Croatians to threading, a technique for hair removal using thread. The founder initially worked alone, and soon appointments began to fill up months in advance. From the first brow bar in Croatia, where she and her employees groomed between 500 and 700 eyebrows monthly, to the introduction of the most popular facial treatments, such as HydraFacial and Dermapen, Picard is among the first domestic experts to build her brand with her name. She is now turning to new challenges – she has created her own collection of skincare and makeup products, which she will soon launch in the American and French markets.

– The salon has been my life for years, and I have planted my roots in it. I have long felt that it is time for the next step, and now that moment has come – I can happily say that I am developing new brand products and that I am ready for a new business breakthrough. At Futura Medical Group, which brings together leading experts with proven results, I see a logical partner who will continue the tradition and improvement of salon quality while also bringing innovations. I am handing over the Manuela Picard brand into safe hands – explains Picard the reasons for her business decision, after which she will remain in the role of advisor and ambassador of the salon.

We are pleased that Manuela Picard recognized FMG as a partner with whom she shares the same values, emphasizes Ognjen Bagatin, co-owner of Futura Partners.

– By acquiring the leading Croatian cosmetic brand, Futura Medical Group is expanding its aesthetic portfolio, which includes Sinteza Skin Clinic, the leading dermatological and aesthetic polyclinic. We are also present in the online beauty brand market and continue to develop the aesthetic services segment, to the satisfaction of our clients, and Manuela Picard has enormous growth potential – announces Bagatin.

Bojan Pintarić, director and co-owner of Futura Medical Group, reveals that long-term plans include expanding Manuela Picard salons to other cities in Croatia.

– We plan to expand the facial treatment offerings, with an even greater emphasis on HydraFacial, Dermapen services, and ZoSkin Health services and products, as well as similar popular treatments that clients can undergo quickly and without the need for recovery. Additionally, Manuela Picard Cosmetics products will be available in all salons, and with the expert team from the Group, new aesthetic services will be developed to continuously expand our offerings to clients. Manuela’s clients are accustomed to a team of top professionals who are constantly developing and learning, and we will nurture this employee culture in the future,” explains Pintarić.

It should also be noted that Futura Medical Group is wholly owned by Futura Partners, which, since its establishment in 2022, has been investing in small and medium-sized enterprises with significant growth potential. Earlier this year, they also acquired the well-known pediatric polyclinic Sabol, one of the pioneers of private healthcare in Croatia. Behind Futura Partners is a group of successful entrepreneurs and business people ready to invest what is known as smart money. Alongside directors Ognjen Bagatin and Filip Jelić, and FMG director Bojan Pintarić, their team includes Luka Abrus Fijačko and Alan Sumina from the ICT sector, Berislav Horvat and Krešimir Šikić from the banking, finance, and auditing world, lawyers Josip Konjevod and Zlatko Knezović, and serial entrepreneur Saša Cvetojević.