Marilyn Monroe Spas, the US spa brand with 10 locations across four states, which serve 70,000 customers, has received a US$20m (€18m, £13m) investment from JCR Holdings which will be used to fund domestic and global expansion plans. The total capital raised by Marilyn Monroe Spas, including the sum from JCR Holdings, is US$36m (€32m, £23m).

Founded by spa industry veteran Niki T Kearn (formerly Bryan) and former Disney executive Allen R. Weiss, Marilyn Monroe Spas was granted an exclusive licensing agreement in 2012 from Authentic Brands Group – the intellectual property corporation that owns the estate of Marilyn Monroe – to operate the spa, salon, nail and health concept using Monroe’s name.

Plans for investment include the franchising of the brand’s Nail Lounges and Glamour Rooms. The company is now registered to sell franchises in all 50 US states.

Funds will also be used to set up the Marilyn Monroe Spa and Glamour Institute. This will be a service providing technical business education to individuals and businesses who want to be part of the salon, spa and beauty industry.

Managing partner of JCR Holdings, Fabricio Bossle, said: “There is an obvious gap in the existing spa and beauty market across the nation that Marilyn Monroe Spas is able to fill.

"Throughout my due diligence process, I found that the brand is exceeding customers’ expectations with its level of service, quality of products and price points. I am confident that this brand will take the spa industry by storm.”