Ex-Body Shop CEO snaps up Bodycare assets, plans phased relaunch

An investor group led by Charles Denton has, as expected, bought the failed Bodycare retail business out of administration.

Denton who’s a former Molton Brown CEO and who recently led The Body Shop back to speedy profitability after its post-administration sale, has acquired selected assets of the chain that he sees as having potential because of its importance to “routinely underserved” areas.

The once-successful company that was profitable before the pandemic had struggled in recent years and entered administration on 5 September leading to the closure of its 147 stores and its staff being made redundant.

Denton’s group has bought the brand and intellectual property for an undisclosed sum and is expected to stage a phased revival of it.

There has been talk of him reopening up to 70 stores but the first phase starting early next year is likely to see 30 to 50 sites opening and several hundred staff being rehired.

The chain was strongest in Northern England and the comeback plan is expected to start in the Northwest. 

That comeback will also depend on the new owners working closely with landlords and suppliers to build a chain with a sustainable future.

Nick Holloway, MD at administrator Interpath, said: “We are pleased to hand Bodycare to an experienced new owner with a clear plan to restart operations. We wish the business every success in the future.”

And Denton added: “Bodycare is much-loved and trusted – it matters deeply to the communities it serves. We now have the mandate to bring stores and jobs back by transforming Bodycare’s rich legacy into a modern, scalable and profitable business.”