Aurelius, the investment company that holds ownership of the UK health & beauty retailer Lloyds Pharmacy, has entered the competitive fray as one of the potential bidders vying to acquire The Body Shop, an internationally renowned beauty retail brand celebrated for its ethical values.
This bidding competition also features prominent players such as private equity firms Epiris and Elliott Advisors, as reported by Sky News.
Natura, the current owner of The Body Shop, has enlisted the assistance of Morgan Stanley bankers and is eager to secure a «provisional agreement on a sale by the end of this month,» as per the report.
In 2017, Natura took the reins of The Body Shop, acquiring the brand from L’Oréal for €1 billion (£880 million). L’Oréal had previously purchased the independent chain in 2006 for £600 million.
While The Body Shop maintains a robust presence on the UK high street, boasting approximately 205 stores, recent figures indicate a 9% decrease in net sales in Q1. Furthermore, the CEO of the UK unit made an unexpected departure a few months ago, signaling a challenging period.
Established in 1976 by environmental activist Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon, The Body Shop employs roughly 10,000 individuals and operates an extensive network of 3,000 stores across 70 countries. The brand remains synonymous with its unwavering commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Stay tuned as the bidding race for The Body Shop unfolds, featuring potential suitors like Aurelius, Epiris, and Elliott Advisors vying for ownership of this iconic beauty brand.
