So what's the deal with The Body Shop?

[Trillian]

Thanks so much for that Lulu and Suse, I really appreciate that info. that's what I always thought, that they never claimed to be natural, just free from animal testing you're right, if they were 100% natural, then they'd be using real musk etc. I have used their products for years - not a lot because I don't *do* beauty stuff LOL, but I have always admired their humanitarian work.

Traveller, I guess this is the conundrum. They may be, in a round about way, owned by Nestle now, but so long as TBS continues in it's present form and keeps their programs running in the same manner as they were before the takeover, I think the benefits of that far outweigh the fact that they are owned by Nestle. And the ironic thing about that is the same women that TBS helps are probably being targeted by Nestle to use formula but for me personally, I would rather see sustainable communities being built and supported kwim? So I wouldn't stop buying TBS products, because if everyone stopped buying their products, it isn't Nestle you are hurting, it is those communities and sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture.

[Liz]

And the ironic thing about that is the same women that TBS helps are probably being targeted by Nestle to use formula

I wonder how much say Nestle have in this. I wonder if it's a dirty tactic to "buy" an ethical company to keep money coming in even tho it's a conflict of interest. If the campaigns of TBH meet with tremendous success... could they pull the plug on it?

It just seems strange to me. Perhaps it's the old saying of Keep your friends close but your enemies closer...

[Trillian]

Liz, it would not surprise me in the least if something like that was going on. It could certainly be seen as a way of covering their bases.

[Traveller]

I wonder how much say Nestle have in this. I wonder if it's a dirty tactic to "buy" an ethical company to keep money coming in even tho it's a conflict of interest. If the campaigns of TBH meet with tremendous success... could they pull the plug on it?

It just seems strange to me. Perhaps it's the old saying of Keep your friends close but your enemies closer...

This is my suspicion, and the reason that I would prefer my money go to companies or charities who do not have the nestle influence in the background. I distrust them that much.

[Lulu]

Hmm, I dunno. Loreal took them over...and Nestle have 20% share in Loreal yeah? They have their fingers in everything, but with a 20% share is that enough to call the shots.

Aren't Nestle too busy waiting for the next natural disaster so they can air drop formula all over the place? lol

[Trillian]

LOL Lulu, because getting women to use formula after a natural disaster when there is no clean water to bathe in, let alone drink is a top idea

A 20% stake may not be enough in some situations, but even with only 20% if they were the single biggest shareholder, then yes, they would have significant sway when these things would get voted on. In that situation, Nestle would only need votes from other shareholders totalling 31% to gain a majority vote, but if they only owned 10% for example, then they would need 41% of the other shareholders to vote with them, which is a bigger task kwim?

[Traveller]

Also, for every penny of profit that TBS makes, 20% goes to Nestle. That 20% is used to fund formula ad campaigns, formula giveaways, pay for bribes and legal action to stamp all over smaller and more ethically aware businesses, yadda yadda yadda. To say the good that TBS does is worth it, is akin to buying only one nestle product because they are running a voucher campaign to buy books for Oz schools. It is all just marketing and a way to build their reputation. And I am not buying it.

[Trillian]

No one is saying you have to 'buy it', but that's entirely up to you. Again it comes back to what is most important to you. For me, I would rather have those communities breaking the poverty cycle and doing something that will support them and enable their children to get an education and hopefully a decent shot at life.

[Kitt3n]

Also, for every penny of profit that TBS makes, 20% goes to Nestle.

OK from this and another post I am assuming that L'oreal bought a share in TBS, is that correct?

'tis enough reason for me to stand clear if that is right. Don't get me wrong, I haven't bought TBS stuff since I was about 15, but if it's fairtrade, ethically produced cosmetics that you are after then there are plenty of other companies that I would rather support.