Lloyds Pharmacy-owner Aurelius Group has joined the list of companies interested in buying The Body Shop, the UK sustainable cosmetics retailer, reports on Tuesday revealed.
Since The Body Shop was put up for sale last month by its owner Natura, the Brazilian personal care group, a number of suitors have come forward, including Elliot Advisers, the private equity firm which owns bookshop Waterstones.
Founded by human rights activist Anita Roddick along with her husband Gordon, The Body Shop is estimated to be worth around US$511 million and has also caught the eye of former TGI Fridays and Bella Italia owner and private equity firm Epiris.
Benson for Beds owner, and yet another private equity firm, Alteri Investors was also said to be interested in the cosmetic company, but reports, which previously revealed it had made a bid, are unable to confirm if it still remains in the takeover process.
Although The Body Shop has struggled to maintain profitable growth over the last few years, the chain still remains a cornerstone of many UK high streets, with the group employing around 10,000 workers and operating close to 3,000 sites across 70 countries.