**Auréa Group Invests $3-5 Billion in Beauty Brands, Targets The Body Shop’s Growth in India**
Auréa Group is set to invest between $3 billion and $5 billion in beauty brands, with a particular focus on The Body Shop, which generates $1 billion in annual sales. Founder Mike Jatania envisions India becoming one of the top three markets for the brand, planning to introduce new products and expand store locations to meet increasing consumer demand.
Jatania, currently visiting India, emphasized the significance of the Indian market, stating that The Body Shop is prioritizing its growth strategy in the country. “India is very much at the top of our global growth strategy. We hope that in the coming years, India will move into the top three markets for us,” he remarked, noting that the company is launching a new product line in India before rolling it out globally. He also expressed enthusiasm for the success of quick commerce in the region.
In addition to The Body Shop, Auréa Group owns several other beauty brands, including Herbivore Botanicals, Scandinavian Biolabs, and Decypher. Jatania’s vision for The Body Shop involves preserving its iconic status while adapting to the evolving retail landscape. “We’re living in a very dynamic environment where you have to invest in social engagement, digital channels, and store formats. It requires significant capital, but we are committed to making the beauty business relevant for the next 50 years as it has been in the past,” he stated.
The acquisition of The Body Shop marked Auréa Group’s largest investment in the beauty sector to date, which Jatania described as a unique opportunity. “It’s not every day you get to buy an iconic brand with such a large share of global sales that’s sold in 70 countries. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he noted.
The acquisition process was complex, as The Body Shop had entered administration under UK regulations. However, Jatania’s previous experience in revitalizing beauty brands, such as Yardley of London, fueled his interest in this venture. “We took 11 weeks to complete the deal, closing it by late August or early September 2024,” he added.
