Founded on the belief that “business can be a force for good,” The Body Shop was a trailblazer in ethical consumerism long before it became a mainstream corporate standard. Established by Dame Anita Roddick, the brand disrupted the 1970s beauty industry by focusing on natural ingredients, refillable packaging, and a strong opposition to animal testing. This activist-led identity inspired great customer loyalty and transformed a single storefront into a global retail powerhouse.
Key Milestones & Ownership Timeline
1976: The Brighton Beginning – Anita Roddick opens the first “little green shop” in Brighton, England, with just 25 products.
1984: Public Listing – The company is floated on the London Stock Exchange to fund rapid global expansion.
1987: Community Fair Trade – Launch of the “Trade Not Aid” program (now Community Fair Trade), sourcing ingredients directly from marginalized communities.
2006: The L’Oréal Era – In a controversial £652 million deal, the brand is acquired by cosmetics giant L’Oréal. Critics argued the sale diluted the brand’s original activist soul.
2017: Transition to Natura & Co – Brazilian beauty conglomerate Natura & Co acquires the brand for approximately £880 million, aiming to realign it with ethical and sustainable values.
2023: Sale to Aurelius Group – After years of financial struggle and shifting consumer habits, Natura sells the brand to private equity firm Aurelius Group for a reduced price of £207 million.
2024: Administration & Restructuring – In February 2024, Aurelius puts the UK business into administration, leading to dozens of store closures.
2024: New Chapter under Auréa Group – In September 2024, the UK business and trademarks are acquired by a consortium led by Auréa Group, marking a fresh attempt at recovery.put
Regional Context: The Body Shop Austria Insolvency (2026)
As of January 13, 2026, the Austrian subsidiary, The Body Shop GmbH, has officially filed for insolvency. The bankruptcy proceedings were opened at the Commercial Court of Vienna following a creditor’s application.
More Details:
- Scope: The insolvency affects all 12 retail locations across Austria, including five in Vienna and branches in Graz, Linz, and Innsbruck.
- Current Status: An insolvency administrator, Dr. Susi Pariasek, has been appointed to determine if the business can continue operations or must be liquidated.
- Background: Despite recording a balance sheet profit in 2023 due to previous reserves, the Austrian entity suffered an operational loss of approximately €750,000 that year.
