Black marks

1.against? animal cruelty
Until 2007 our men’s shaving brush was made from hog’s hair and our Bath Beads contained gelatin, a derivative of the meat industry. A synthetic alternative has now been found for the shaving brush that meets the high performance standard of the previous product and we are proud to announce its introduction during 2007. The already-proven and award-winning material is used in our current range of make-up brushes. We have been working to find suitable alternative ingredients for the popular Bath Beads, but were unable to source a viable ethical alternative. Therefore this year the Company took the decision to discontinue their sale altogether
L Oreal
L’Oreal, the dominant company in the beauty industry, acquired Body shop in 2006. Although Body Shop has become a subsidiary of L’Oreal S.A it still acts according to its own policy, values and ethical code. The acquisition has solved Body Shop’s financial problems and has provided the means for expansion to a bigger market share.
L’Oreal’s support By being a subsidiary of L’Oreal, Body Shop appears to have an increase in sales. Furthermore, L’Oreal’s experience in advertisement and marketing can boost overall sales.
The French firm said Body Shop would enhance its business because of its "sizeable and complimentary brand" across 54 countries, which delivered revenues of '419 million last year.
It also said the deal would give it increased presence in the "masstige" sector - mass market combined with prestige - which Body Shop has worked hard to exploit over the last four years.
In a statement to the stock market today, the two companies said the proposed takeover depended on regulatory clearance.
L'Oreal chief executive Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, who was born in Wallasey, Merseyside, said: "We have always had great respect for the Body Shop's success and for its strong identity and values created by its outstanding founder, Dame Anita Roddick.
"A partnership between our companies makes perfect sense. Combining L'Oreal's expertise and knowledge of international markets with the Body Shop's distinct culture and values will benefit both companies."
Source: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/208/208109_body_shop_is_worth_it_for_loreal.html