Mergers and acquisitions news and archive

Watches of Switzerland expands US presence with Deutsch & Deutsch acquisition

The UK-based luxury watch specialist Watches of Switzerland Group (WOSG) has announced the completion of its acquisition of Deutsch & Deutsch, a family-owned jewelry and timepiece retailer based in Texas. Operating since the 1920s, Deutsch & Deutsch is an authorized distributor for several high-end brands, including Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Tudor,...

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Damiani Group signs agreement to acquire Baume & Mercier from Richemont

Swiss luxury conglomerate Richemont and Italian jewellery firm Damiani Group have signed an agreement for the latter to acquire full ownership of specialist watchmaker Baume & Mercier. The private transaction marks a significant shift for the historic watch brand as it joins one of Italy’s last independent family-run luxury groups. With a legacy...

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Vingino Group CEO sees bright future after deal with US-based Centric Brands

The news of the acquisition of the Dutch Vingino Group only broke in early December 2025, but the deal had been in the works for months, as FashionUnited learned when speaking with group CEO Jan van den Berg. The American company Centric Brands is the new owner of the group and its brands, Vingino and Raizzed, following the acquisition of 100...

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Morellato Group acquires Italian operations of Fossil Group

Morellato Group has acquired the distribution operations of Fossil Group in Italy. “The deal establishes a new and important synergy between two leading groups in the international watch and jewellery market. Its aim is to further strengthen the presence in Italy of prestigious brands such as: Fossil; Emporio Armani; Armani Exchange; Michael...

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Bestseller owner snaps up majority stake in Drake’s

Anders Holch Povlsen, the owner of Danish fashion giant Bestseller Group and the largest shareholder of e-commerce retailer Asos, has snapped up a majority stake in British menswear brand Drake’s. New Companies House filings have revealed that a 75 percent stake in Drake’s has been transferred to 28.10.2025 Limited, a firm overseen by Povlsen....

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Asos adds Noughts & Kisses to brand portfolio

E-commerce giant Asos has reportedly acquired Noughts & Kisses and is preparing to launch the fashion brand on its site later in 2026. The news was confirmed to Drapers by Noughts & Kisses founder Jemma Bramley, who said the retailer’s customer “aligns closely” with Asos’ own. “Asos is the perfect next step for us because it expands our reach...

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Bain Capital secures majority stake in South Korea’s Echo Marketing

US private equity firm Bain Capital has snapped up a majority stake in Echo Marketing, the South Korean parent company of activewear brand Andar. The stake, valued at 344 million dollars, reflects Bain’s efforts to expand its presence in consumer brands, particularly in South Korea’s athleisure sector. A regulatory filing seen by Reuters stated...

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Hanky Panky finds new home with Crown Brands Group

Intimates brand Hanky Panky has been snapped up in a joint acquisition by Crown Brands Group and Rafar Group, with each to collaborate on marketing strategy and execution. Under the agreement, Crown will oversee brand strategy and global licensing while Rafar, the parent company of Gelmart International, will serve as the core operating partner,...

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Made in Italy brands lead Christmas M&A activity

Milan - The year concludes with two significant financial transactions involving two prominent Made in Italy brands: Etro and Golden Goose. Golden Goose has been acquired by the Chinese company Hsg, an international venture capital and private equity firm, which now holds a majority stake in the group. Meanwhile, Temasek, a global investment...

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Navigating change: A look at the UK fashion industry's defining year in 2025

Between a Boohoo to Debenhams rebrand; the creation of new specialised fashion groups; and turnarounds that have seen some high street darlings get back on track, 2025 has been a definitive year for the UK fashion industry. Major shifts are underway, and so for many this year is just the start. Here are some of the most notable chop and changes,...

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Footwear brand Gabor has a new owner: Arklyz

Swiss investor Arklyz has acquired the German footwear brand Gabor. The company, based in Stans on Lake Lucerne, did not disclose the purchase price. According to the announcement, all regulatory approvals have been received. Gabor, previously owned by its founding family, is primarily known for its womenswear shoes. The company is now 100...

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Founders of members-only platform Mile acquire Matches, prepare for 2026 relaunch

After a tenuous period that brought uncertainty to the future of Matches, it appears the ailing British e-tailer may have found a more promising home. Hulcan, a new luxury group created by the co-founders of members-only platform Mile, has stepped up to acquire the company as it prepares for a 2026 relaunch. The deal – financial details of which...