The Body Shop is to appoint administrators for its UK operation as soon as this week. Its owner, private equity firm Aurelius, is reportedly preparing to appoint FRP Advisory to manage an insolvency process, which will put many jobs and stores at risk. The administrators are likely to consider closing a significant amount of the retailer’s UK stores. The administration process for the UK business will not impact The Body Shop’s global franchise partners.

The news comes as Aurelius sold parts of The Body Shop’s Europpe and Asia business.