Lithuanian-based Kosmelita has acquired The Body Shop franchise in the Baltic region.WHO: The UK-based Body Shop first opened its doors in 1976. Founded by the late businesswoman and human rights activist Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon, The Body Shop pioneered ethical consumerism and argued that business could be a force for good. There are 7 stores in Lithuania and Latvia, and 6 in Estonia.Kosmelita has solidified its position as one of the largest importers and retailers of cosmetics and perfumery goods in Lithuania. Kosmelita manages an assortment of 976 brands and more than 26,000 different products from 507 suppliers across 42 countries.WHY: The Body Shop fell into administration in February, three months after private equity firm Aurelius agreed to buy the chain for £207 million ($254 million). A consortium led by British tycoon Mike Jatania acquired long-troubled UK beauty retailer The Body Shop out of insolvency. Auréa Holdings, run by Jatania with former UBS Group AG banker Paul Raphael and Charles Denton, who revived Molton Brown, and Erno Laszlo serving as Chief Executive Officer, is The Body Shop's new owner.IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “By acquiring the rights to The Body Shop brand in the Baltic States, we are expanding both our operational geography and our offerings. The Body Shop stores in the Baltic States establish a foundation for Kosmelita, which already operates the largest beauty and cosmetics product network in Lithuania, to expand regionally. This will also allow us to offer even more products from this beloved brand to customers in all of our network stores,” says Arvydas Šapola, the director of Kosmelita.