Who Owns The Body Shop?

The Body Shop, a pioneer in ethical beauty products, has captivated consumers for decades not only with its wide range of personal care items but also with its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Understanding who owns this iconic brand today is essential to grasp the direction and future potential of The Body Shop in the evolving beauty industry.

In a Nutshell

• Current Ownership: The Body Shop is currently owned by Natura & Co, a Brazilian cosmetics group, which acquired the brand in 2017.
• Historical Ownership Changes: Originally founded in 1976 in the UK by Anita Roddick, The Body Shop has undergone several ownership changes, including a significant period under L’Oréal.
• Ethical Values: Ownership under Natura & Co continues to align with The Body Shop’s original mission of ethical consumerism.
• Strategic Growth: Under its current ownership, there is a renewed focus on sustainable expansion and ethical practices.
• Market Position: Continues to hold a strong market position in the ethical beauty segment.

Table of Contents

1. Current Ownership
2. Historical Ownership
3. Impact of Ownership on Brand Identity
4. The Vision under Natura & Co
5. FAQ Section
6. Conclusion

Current Ownership

The Body Shop is currently owned by Natura & Co, a leading Brazilian cosmetics and personal care company. In 2017, Natura & Co acquired The Body Shop from L’Oréal for approximately €1 billion. Known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, the acquisition aligned well with The Body Shop’s legacy of ethical practices.

• Natura & Co: The group also owns other brands such as Aesop and Avon, creating a strong portfolio of globally recognized cosmetic brands.
• Vision Alignment: Natura & Co’s ethos of sustainable and ethical business practices fits seamlessly with The Body Shop’s original mission.

Historical Ownership

The ownership history of The Body Shop reflects its journey through various corporate landscapes, influencing its strategic and ethical trajectory.

Founding Years

• Founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick in Brighton, UK, The Body Shop was a trailblazer in promoting natural and ethically sourced products, focusing on social activism within the beauty industry.

Acquisition by L’Oréal

• In 2006, The Body Shop was acquired by French cosmetics giant L’Oréal for £652.3 million. Despite concerns about maintaining ethical practices under a large corporation, Anita Roddick believed in spreading The Body Shop’s ethical message through L’Oréal’s extensive network.

Transition to Natura & Co

• In 2017, as part of strategic refocusing, L’Oréal sold The Body Shop to Natura & Co. This paved the way for a renewed emphasis on ethical sourcing and sustainable operations under Natura’s guidance.

Impact of Ownership on Brand Identity

Ownership transitions have influenced The Body Shop’s brand identity in several ways, while its core values remain largely intact.

• Ethical Mission: Each transition has brought new operational methodologies, though the brand’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility has remained unwavering.
• Market Perception: The alignment with Natura & Co has been positively perceived, enhancing The Body Shop’s image as a leader in sustainable beauty.

Community Trade and Corporate Activism

• Natura & Co has expanded The Body Shop’s Community Trade programs, further embedding the company into the local economies and societies from which it sources its materials.
• Ongoing campaigns focusing on ending animal testing and supporting ethical trading remain central.

The Vision under Natura & Co

Under the ownership of Natura & Co, The Body Shop is more committed than ever to growth that aligns with ethical standards.

• Sustainable Practices: A focus on sustainable packaging and reducing carbon footprints aligns with their ongoing environmental commitments.
• Strategic Innovations: Introduced innovative product lines responding to both market demands and sustainability initiatives.
• Global Expansion: Efforts are underway to increase market shares in emerging markets with a commitment to maintaining ethical practices.

FAQ Section

1. When was The Body Shop founded?
The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick in Brighton, UK.

2. Who owns The Body Shop currently?
Natura & Co, a Brazilian cosmetics and personal care group, acquired The Body Shop in 2017.

3. How has the ownership by Natura & Co impacted The Body Shop?
Ownership under Natura & Co has enhanced The Body Shop’s commitment to ethical practices and sustainability.

4. Did L’Oréal maintain The Body Shop’s ethical stance?
Yes, although there were initial concerns, The Body Shop maintained its ethical values during its tenure under L’Oréal’s ownership.

5. What is Community Trade?
Community Trade is The Body Shop’s sustainable sourcing program that involves direct partnerships with suppliers to ensure fair trade practices.

6. Does The Body Shop continue to fight animal testing?
Absolutely, The Body Shop remains a strong advocate against animal testing, continuing its efforts to promote cruelty-free beauty.

7. What other brands does Natura & Co own?
Apart from The Body Shop, Natura & Co owns Avon and Aesop.

Conclusion

The Body Shop’s journey through various ownerships has kept its core mission of ethical consumerism recognizable and robust. Now under the stewardship of Natura & Co, The Body Shop continues to expand its market reach while honoring its foundational values of sustainability and activism. To learn more about this and other company ownership stories, visit Who Owns The Body Shop on Who Owns. For broader insights into company ownership, head over to Who Owns. Furthermore, for ongoing updates about The Body Shop’s community initiatives, check the Community Fair Trade section on their official site, and for a deeper corporate perspective, visit Natura & Co’s corporate site and Business of Fashion.