Report: Beauty retailer attracts suitors

An array of private equity firms are interested in The Body Shop.



The beauty retailer, which is owned by cosmetics giant L’Oreal, has drawn bids from around 15 private equity firms and companies, including Bain Capital, CVC Capital Partners, Carlyle Group LP and South Korea’s CJ Group, Bloomberg reported.



In February, L’oreal said it was exploring strategic options, including a sale for Body Shop, which has struggled in the wake of newer rivals, both online and in the physical space.



A retail pioneer in all-natural beauty products, ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, Body Shop was founded in Brighton, England, in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick. L’Oreal bought the company, which operates some 3,000 stores around the globe, in 2006.