Eco-friendly cosmetics firm Lush may be turned into a John Lewis-style partnership to protect it being taken over by predatory multinationals.
The founders are planning to create a shared ownership structure that will make the company's 6,000 worldwide staff partners in the business. Chief executive Mark Constantine, is said to be concerned at the possibility of acquisition similar to that of Body Shop that could harm its eco credentials.
“The whole Body Shop thing made us stop and re-evaluate everything. It's something we talk about regularly and very seriously.”
The company would follow the John Lewis Partnership model, where the business is owned by an employee trust.
John Lewis communications director Susan Donovan said the department stores' executives would be keen to advise Lush management on setting up partnership status.
Valued at over £100m it would be one of the biggest partnerships in the country.
Lush is best known for its handmade toiletries and its ethical stance has been the brands key philosophy since he and business partner Liz Bennett founded the business in 1995.