The transaction, if completed, is expected to value The Body Shop below the speculated £400m to £500m range. Credit: MA PHOTOGRAPHY via Shutterstock.

In a disclosure by Sky News, Aurelius Group, a private equity investor linked to Footasylum, is reportedly in talks to acquire The Body Shop. 

The renowned cosmetics chain, founded by Dame Anita Roddick and Gordon Roddick almost five decades ago, is currently on sale by its Brazilian parent, Natura & Co. 

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Negotiations and expected deal date

Sky News said banking sources suggest that a deal is expected to be signed in November 2023, bringing the acquisition closer. 

The transaction, if completed, is expected to value The Body Shop below the speculated £400m ($485.7m) to £500m range. However, the exact valuation remains undisclosed. 

Strategy and competition

Aurelius Group, known for acquiring Footasylum a year ago, aims to expand its portfolio. The private equity firm also owns Lloyds Pharmacy, acquired from its American parent, with plans for piecemeal sell-offs.

According to Sky News, Aurelius successfully navigated competitive bids from Alteri Investors, private equity firm Epiris and Elliott Advisors, the owner of Waterstones.

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The potential acquisition illustrates Aurelius Group’s commitment to diversification within the retail and healthcare sectors. 

The Body Shop: A brief overview

Founded in 1976, The Body Shop operates 3,000 stores in 70 countries, employing approximately 10,000 people globally. 

Natura acquired The Body Shop from L’Oréal in 2017. 

As negotiations progress, the business landscape awaits further developments in this strategic move by Aurelius Group, anticipating a significant shift in The Body Shop’s ownership.