"As part of this brand portfolio optimisation, it has been decided to explore all strategic options regarding The Body Shop's ownership in order to give it the best opportunities and full ability to continue its development. No decision has been taken so far," Agon said.
On Wednesday, it was reported that L'Oréal was considering selling off The Body Shop for €1bn (£850m) due to the retail brand's poor performance.
In 2016, The Body Shop’s sales dropped by 4.8% to €920.8m (£785.01), a dark spot in the group’s otherwise positive results.
Overall, the group’s sales increased 2.3% to €25.83bn last year which drove its net profit up by 4.5% to €3.65bn.
While The Body Shop’s sales have been good in Europe, especially in the UK, it has been struggling in Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, which is impacting overall performance, said the group’s financial statement.
Sales by region
Sales in Western Europe held steady for L'Oréal, registering an 0.5% increase to €8bn. The UK and Spain had a "particularly dynamic year" for the group. Overall, makeup was the top growth driver in the region, "fuelled by NYX Professional Makeup and Urban Decay", said the report.
The strongest sales growth for the group was in North America where sales grew 6.7% to €7.1bn last year. Strongest performing luxury brands in the market were Urban Decay, Yves Saint Laurent, Lancôme and IT Cosmetics. Within the consumer products division, Garnier’s latest launches, Whole Blends (Ultra Doux) and Micellar Cleansing Waters, have sold well.
Eastern Europe registered the next strongest growth with 2.7%, followed by Asia-Pacific at 1.8%
Within Asia, while L'Oréa’s luxury division continues to perform well in China, its consumer products division has been slowed by difficulties with the brand Magic, and the adjustment of distribution channels. Otherwise, Taiwan and South Korea posted strong growth, as did Southeast Asia, particularly in Australia and Indonesia.
However the group is struggling in Latin America where sales dropped 1.8% to €1.83bn.
Luxury outperforms
L'Oréal’s Luxe division grew 6% to €7.66bn last year on the back of strong sales from Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armany and Urban Decay. Kiehl’s and Lancôme too are both doing well, reported the group.
According to the statement, the division recorded "double-digit growth" in China, Japan, Russia and several countries in South-East Asia. Western Europe "performed very well, especially Spain and the United Kingdom".
.jpg)
.jpeg)
