In the face of all the leaks in the British press, the vegan cosmetics brand is trying to regain control of its communication. The Aurelio Fundowner of the cosmetics brand since November 2023, has just commissioned FRP's advisory firm prepare for default of payment The body shop in the United Kingdom and its entry into receivership. The three recipients are Tony Wright, Geoff Rowley and Alastair Massey. For information, the country has around 200 stores in its territory and employs 2,200 people.

The situation is still very confusing. In fact, at the beginning of February, Aurelius announced that it had sold most of its European activities and part of its Asian activities to a “family office” whose identity it has not revealed nor the countries concerned. Or 14% of the vegan brand’s total activity. In France, there is great uncertainty. No information is coming from management, which must be waiting for details on its future situation. In a press release, the brand reiterates once again that this insolvency procedure would not affect the global franchisees who operate for the brand.

Concern among French franchisees

Contacted by LSA, French franchisees are also concerned and are not receiving any further information from the French entity. An information meeting is scheduled for the end of the week. In 2022, the sale of its cosmetic products will have brought in 27.6 million euros to the French subsidiary of The body shop. For an operating profit of 1.3 million euros.

We recall that Aurelius acquired the English brand for a paltry £207 million. At the beginning of February, the fund considered that the decision to sell some of its European and Asian activities to an international family office was a decision “a further decisive step towards the implementation of a solid recovery strategy” from the brand The Body Shop. In February 2024, in order to accelerate its restructuring, the brand also decided to end its home delivery service, called The Body Shop At Home.

Founded in 1976 by Anita Roddickwith a first small shop in Brighton (United Kingdom), The Body Shop brand made a name for itself from the start by refusing to test its products on animals. Anita Roddick died on 10 September 2007.