I saw a couple replies on the link about a larger company buying out Burt's Bees. I cannot say for certain, due to me not being in on this, yet I would bet that Clorox didn't have to twist Burt's Bees arm that hard to 'take' their company.
This company saw an opportunity that will increase their profit level substantially.
I am glad to say that it will not be a loss to myself. I like Burt's Bees products yet have not purchased any in quite a while. So, Clorox can do what they will with this company, most people will not know nor will they care. People are not interested in using chemical free products. If they were, those would cost less because more would be consumed.