Maus Frères in talks to acquire The Kooples
Lacoste owner Maus Frères has entered into exclusive negotiations to buy French fashion brand The Kooples.
If the acquisition goes ahead, The Kooples will join the privatley held Swiss company’s international brands division, which includes Lacoste, Gant, Aigle and Tecnifibre.
Maus Frères has indicated that the transaction could complete by the end of the first half of 2019.
Didier Maus, chairman of the Maus Frères board, said: “Over the past few years, we have focused on strengthening and significantly expanding our existing brands, The Kooples would be a perfect add-on to our brand portfolio, with its fashionalble ‘urban/rock’ positioning within the affordable luxury universe.”
The company also said it was attracted to The Kooples due to its equally strong offering for men and women.
Thierry Guibert, chief executive of Maus Frères, added: “The Kooples enjoys a strong reputation and a high quality distribution network. We have great ambitions for the brand, and we want to help it continue to develop internationally, while remaining faithful to its roots and identity.”
The Kooples had a turnover of €227 million in 2018 and operates through 334 points of sale, which are mostly in Europe and the US.
