Recently, it is reported that Aurelius Group, the parent company of the UK chain pharmacy Lloyds, has joined the list of companies interested in acquiring The Body Shop.
Since last month when The Body Shop was put up for sale by its owner, Natura & Co, several companies have expressed their intention to acquire it, including private equity firm Elliot Advisers, which owns the bookstore chain Waterstones. Additionally, Natura & Co has entered into a partnership with Morgan Stanley and hopes to “reach a preliminary agreement on the sale by the end of this month.”
Public information shows that Aurelius Group is a Germany-based diversified investment company that focuses on growth capital, real estate, and other financing businesses. It has previously acquired the restaurant group BVN and the physiotherapy and rehabilitation services provider Physio Frei. The participation in the acquisition of The Body Shop also marks Aurelius’ first display of interest in the cosmetics industry.
Furthermore, it is understood that Alteri Investors, the owner of the bedding brand Benson, is also interested in The Body Shop and has made a bid for acquisition. However, it is currently uncertain whether Alteri Investors is still on the list of potential buyers.
