The Body Shop’s chief executive has reportedly told staff that it has bounced back to profitability.

In February, the cosmetics and skincare brand filed a notice to appoint administrators for its UK business.

The move came just months after private equity firm Aurelius announced its takeover of the company as part of a £207 million deal.

The business, which also owns High Street chain Footasylum, bought the retailer after it was put up for sale by Brazil’s Natura in the summer.

Across last year's festive season and January this year, The Body Shop’s sales were weaker than expected.

But this week retailer's new chief executive Charles Denton told staff in a note seen by The Guardian that the company is "back for good and last month...back in profit baby!".

“I am so thrilled at how we are ending the year," he wrote to employees in his final note before the Christmas break. "Storm Darragh may have tried its worst, but we weathered it and some.”

The Body Shop, founded by Dame Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon in 1976, has over 800 company-owned stores across 20 countries.

Before its collapse earlier this year, the company had operated more than 200 stores in the UK.

But after calling in administrators, the business was forced to close 85 stores.

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