Natural beauty products retailer Body Shop International plc has agreed to be taken over by leading cosmetics company L'Oreal SA based in France, media reported.
L'Oreal Chairman was reportedly quoted in the media today stating that his company's 'expertise' and Body Shop's 'distinct culture' would go a long way to benefit both the companies.
Sources say that Body Shop will retain its identity despite the takeover.
The Body Shop International plc. is a global retailer of more than 600 naturally-inspired skin and hair care solutions.
According to the 1997 Interbrand survey criteria, the company was named 28th top brand in the world, second in the retail sector. In a 1998 report, a survey of international chief executives in The Financial Times ranked The Body Shop the 27th most respected company in the world.
L'Oreal in its cosmetics branch, is present through 4 Divisions which cover every distribution channel.
It has interests in dermatological and pharmaceutical products also.