THE WHAT? Aurelius Group, the private equity investor that owns Footasylum, is currently in exclusive negotiations to acquire The Body Shop, an ethical cosmetics chain founded almost 50 years ago by Dame Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon. The British-based chain was put up for sale by its Brazilian owner, Natura &Co, during the summer. A deal is expected to be finalised in November, valuing The Body Shop at a significantly lower price than the £400m to £500m suggested by some media reports.
THE DETAILS Aurelius Group acquired Footasylum just over a year ago, following a mandated sale by competition regulators from JD Sports Fashion. The group also owns the Lloyds Pharmacy group, which it is currently selling off piecemeal. Aurelius has surpassed rival bidders for The Body Shop, including Alteri Investors, private equity firm Epiris, and Elliott Advisors, owner of Waterstones. The Body Shop employs about 10,000 people and operates approximately 3,000 stores in 70 countries. Natura &Co acquired The Body Shop for over US$1bn in 2017, meaning the sale to Aurelius will likely value it at less than half of that sum. Natura &Co has been working with Morgan Stanley on the sale and aims to conclude the deal before the year’s end.
THE WHY? The Body Shop has struggled to achieve profitable growth for years but retains a significant presence on British high streets. Its early stance on environmental causes and opposition to animal testing helped it stand out in the market. However, the brand’s distinctiveness has diminished in recent years due to the emergence of competitors focusing on sustainability and targeting younger consumers more effectively. Aurelius’ acquisition of The Body Shop would add to its diverse portfolio of companies, while Natura & Co’s decision to sell aligns with its intention to conclude the deal swiftly and likely streamline its operations.
Buy aesthetic products refers to the act of purchasing items that are specifically designed for enhancing or maintaining beauty, often related to skincare, cosmetics, or procedures in the field of aesthetics. These products can include a wide range of items intended to improve the appearance and health of the skin, hair, and body. Here are some examples of aesthetic products that individuals might purchase:
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Skincare Products: Including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and treatments targeting specific skin concerns such as acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity.
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Cosmetics: Makeup products such as foundations, concealers, eyeliners, lipsticks, and eyeshadows designed to enhance facial features and achieve desired looks.
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Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and treatments to maintain and improve the health and appearance of hair.
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Dermatological Treatments: Prescription or over-the-counter treatments for medical conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
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Aesthetic Devices: Equipment used for professional treatments including laser devices, microneedling pens, radiofrequency devices, and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines.
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Injectable Aesthetics: Products such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin (Botox) used to enhance facial contours, reduce wrinkles, and achieve smoother skin.
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Nutritional Supplements: Supplements aimed at promoting skin health, hair growth, and overall well-being, often containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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Home Use Beauty Devices: Devices like facial cleansing brushes, LED light therapy masks, and microcurrent devices designed for at-home skincare treatments.
