Fashion M&A

Date: March 2023
Buyer: Next
Target: Cath Kidston (in administration)
Business: Floral Fashion
Value: £8.5 million
Details: Next has rescued the Cath Kidston brand in a pre-pack deal worth £8.5 million. The deal comes after the business fell into administration for the second time in years with approximately 125 jobs at risk as administrators set to close four UK Cath Kidston stores – in London, Ashford, Cheshire Oaks and York – once stock is sold off.

Date: December 2022
Buyer: Next
Target: Joules (in administration)
Business: Clothing & Footwear
Value: £41 million
Details: Collapsed fashion chain Joules has been rescued from administration by Next. The deal is thought to save about 100 shops and 1,450 jobs but will still see the closure of 19 stores. Next will continue to operate Joules’ website but will also sell Joules-branded clothing through its own e-commerce platform from 2024.

Date: September 2020
Buyer: Next Plc
Target: Victoria’s Secret
Business: High street fashion
Value: Not disclosed
Details: Next Plc acquired a majority stake (51%) in Victoria Secret’s UK business under a newly formed joint venture.