Thousands of jobs are at risk as The Body Shop has fallen into administration.
FRP Advisory have been appointed as administrators for the chain, which has 200 stores across the UK.
FRP said the move “provides the stability, flexibility and security to find the best means of securing the future” of the chain.
They said: “The joint administrators will now consider all options to find a way forward for the business and will update creditors and employees in due course.”
The Body Shop will continue to trade, with shops and the online site remaining open and making sales.
It follows aspects of the business such as The Body Shop At Home being closed down last month.
The company, which was launched by the late Dame Anita Roddick in 1976, has been a popular fixture on the high street for decades.
The Body Shop marketed itself on ethically sourced and naturally-based ingredients from around the world and was the the first international beauty brand to campaign against animal testing in cosmetics.
The business changed hands three times since it was sold by Dame Roddick in 2006, shortly before her death the following year.
The Body Shop was purchased by new owners, European private equity firm Aurelius, just weeks ago.
More to follow.
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