THE WHAT? LVMH, Shiseido and L’Oréal are all hoping to secure a stake in Aesop if Natura &Co decides to sell a slice, according to a report published by Bloomberg. The Australian luxury bath and fragrance brand is valued at an impressive US$2 billion.

THE DETAILS Shares in the Brazilian beauty giant leapt 13 percent in the wake of the rumors of a sale. Representatives for all the companies concerned declined to comment when contacted by Bloomberg.

THE WHY? Natura &Co has been ‘assessing options’ for its hero brand in the wake of falling revenues and profit. The move is part of a wider strategic plan to improve profitability.