L'Oreal & Body Shop?

Actually, the president of L'Oreal stated that he plans on joining Body Shop's stance of earth-friendly, non-animal-tested products. Here is an article from March 18 (very recent, 3 days ago) that talks about the merger and the possibility of L'Oreal adopting Body Shop's human research methods:
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"A deal would give L'Oreal, based in France, access to Body Shop's international distribution network through retail outlets and the Internet. Currently, L'Oreal's products are available in more than 130 countries. The company also owns outlets that sell Kiehl's cosmetics.

L'Oreal could use a Body Shop deal as a way to reduce its own animal testing. While Body Shop is known for products that aren't tested on animals, the French company has yet to ban animal testing. L'Oreal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lindsey Owen-Jones said L'Oreal has a long-term plan of "joining Body Shop on the issue."

L'Oreal SA unveiled a GBP 652.3 million ($1.1 billion) takeover offer for Body Shop International PLC of the U.K., as the world's largest cosmetics group seeks to broaden its international retail presence with more than 2,000 stores.

The proposed acquisition of Body Shop, known for its budget natural ingredients, cosmetics and body-lotion range, would boost L'Oreal's existing portfolio, which consists of 18 brands including Lancome, Maybelline, Garnier, Redken and Kerastase.

A deal would give L'Oreal, based in France, access to Body Shop's international distribution network through retail outlets and the Internet. Currently, L'Oreal's products are available in more than 130 countries. The company also owns outlets that sell Kiehl's cosmetics.

The cash bid of 300 pence a share -- a 34% premium to Body Shop's share price before speculation of a possible takeover bid emerged last month -- comes weeks after L'Oreal's incoming chief executive, Jean- Paul Agon, said the company will grow via acquisitions over the next few years.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Body Shop would retain its separate identity and current management, the companies said. No store closures or job cuts are planned. Body Shop founders Anita and Gordon Roddick, who stopped managing the company in 2002 but stayed on as nonexecutive directors, are expected to receive about GBP 117 million from their 18% stake.

Body Shop, founded 30 years ago in Brighton, England, has more than 2,000 stores world-wide. The company gained popularity during the 1980s when it became one of the first to sell skin-care products made of natural ingredients in recycled packaging. It has lost cachet more recently, however, as other stores -- especially in the U.S. -- have introduced earth-friendly products.

L'Oreal could use a Body Shop deal as a way to reduce its own animal testing. While Body Shop is known for products that aren't tested on animals, the French company has yet to ban animal testing. L'Oreal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lindsey Owen-Jones said L'Oreal has a long-term plan of "joining Body Shop on the issue."
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If I were you, I would write the L'Oreal company and put more pressure on them to adopt Body Shop's practices. The best way to get to a company is through their pocketbooks. Get all your friends to write, too. After all, if the president of L'Oreal is really thinking about changing their practices, your letters and threats of not buying their products will definitely influence their decsions.

Good luck!