Maus Frères acquires The Kooples

The Autorité de la concurrence has approved the takeover of the company The Kooples Group by the Swiss group Maus Frères - owner of Lacoste, Aigle and Gant.

The Autorité examined whether the acquisition of The Kooples brand by an actor already holding well-known ready-to-wear brands was likely to restrict competition in the retail clothing and footwear retail markets, especially at the local level where the parties' stores are located in the same catchment areas.

However, it found that in each of these areas, consumers will continue to benefit from alternative offers equivalent to the parties' brands, in terms of price and commercial positioning and made the decision to clear the takeover without conditions.

Negotiations began in March when Maus Frères confirmed it had entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire the brand.

Didier Maus, Chairman of the Board of Maus Frères, 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 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.”

The Kooples Group is present in 14 countries and it generated an estimated turnover of approximately 227 million euros in 2018.

Following the approval, The Kooples will be integrated into the Maus Frères portfolio within weeks.