Yesterday, Aurea, the investment consortium led by Mike Jatania, has officially completed the acquisition of The Body Shop, ensuring that the remaining 100 UK stores will remain open. Jatania, often referred to as the ‘Cosmetics King’ in Britain, will take the helm of the rescued business alongside Charles Denton, former CEO of Molton Brown.
The deal marks Aurea’s largest acquisition to date, though the purchase price was not disclosed. In a statement, Aurea emphasized its commitment to revitalizing The Body Shop and reclaiming its global leadership in the ethical beauty market. The company has experienced several ownership changes in recent years, being previously owned by L’Oréal, Natura & Co., and most recently Aurelius, which placed it into administration due to funding challenges.
The Body Shop has undergone significant restructuring, including the sale of parts of the business and global store closures. However, the 116 remaining stores in the UK will stay open, with no plans for further closures. Jatania, who has a long history in the UK beauty industry, sees the acquisition as an opportunity to restore the brand’s former glory as it nears its 50th anniversary in 2026.
In his statement, Jatania highlighted the importance of product innovation and enhancing customer experiences across all channels while maintaining the brand’s ethical and activist values. Both Jatania and Denton bring extensive experience to the table, but they face the significant challenge of steering The Body Shop back to its once-iconic status in the competitive beauty market.
