Swiss group Maus Frères has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire French clothing brand The Kooples.
The transaction could be finalised by the end of the first half of 2019, and would see the brand join Maus Frères’ International Brands division, which already includes Lacoste, Gant, Aigle and Tecnifibre.
The Kooples was founded in 2008, and had a turnover of €227 million in 2018. The brand has a physical presence in in 32 countries through its own distribution network of 334 points of sale, mainly in Europe and the USA.
As reported, the first The Kooples store at an airport opened at Nice Côte d’Azur in 2017. The brand also has a strong digital and online presence.
Maus Frères is a privately-held Swiss distribution and brand management group that has been active for over a century on four continents.
“Over the past few years, we have focused on strengthening and significantly expanding our existing brands,” said Maus Frères Chairman of the Board Didier Maus. “The Kooples would be a perfect add on to our brand portfolio, with its fashionable ‘urban/rock’ positioning within the affordable luxury universe.
“We are attracted by its positioning, which has enabled the brand to develop equally strong offers for women and men and therefore represents a unique potential. This acquisition would strengthen Maus Frères’ position as a major player in the premium brand market.”
Maus Frères International Chief Executive Officer Thierry Guibert added: “The Kooples enjoys a strong reputation and a high-quality distribution network. We have great ambition for the brand, and we want to help it continue to develop internationally, while remaining faithful to its roots and identity.”
