PDS Limited acquires majority stake in brand management business The Radius Group

PDS Limited, the global supply chain infrastructure platform has acquired a majority stake in brand management and licensing business The Radius Group to create PDS Radius Brands.

The move will help accelerate the growth and reach within the areas of brand development across global markets and underscores PDS's expansion ambitions in the area of brand development, following on from its acquisition of the Ted Baker Design Group (TDG) as a strategic partnership with the British brand's new owner Authentic Brands Group (ABG).

PDS Radius Brands will operate under the leadership of brand specialist and founder, Damian Hopkins. It promises a "best-in-class end-to-end brand management and development infrastructure", offering supply chain solutions, new market entry, licensing, and marketing to brands and retailers, with strong environmental, social, and ethical values. Current clients include Julien Macdonald, Kelly Hoppen, Nicole Fahri, Elizabeth Emanuel and Lipsy.

The business will be based in London and will use PDS Group's global office network. It will deliver global brand management services for brands and retailers from design to delivery in the fashion and home sectors. It will also offer global ethical sourcing service along with licensing and brand development across all product categories of fashion and home.

Pallak Seth (pictured above right with Damian Hopkins), Vice Chairman at PDS Limited, said: “PDS continues to strengthen its position in the branded apparel market with the formation of PDS Radius Brands, alongside the highly accomplished retail and fashion entrepreneur, Damian Hopkins. I have known Damian for many years and I am delighted to now welcome him into the PDS group.  His reputation and expertise for launching, repositioning, and transforming brands combined with our global design and supply platform will enable us to become a market leader. Damian has first-hand experience across manufacturing, sourcing, retail, licensing and franchising worldwide and we are all excited to collaborate on this new venture.”

Damian Hopkins, founder of PDS Radius Brands, added: “Building great brands, crafting amazing partnerships and developing global businesses is the essence of what I have been doing for many years; and by aligning with the PDS platform, to form PDS Radius Brands – I know we will unlock even greater and more exciting opportunities. PDS is a unique business that caters to some of the biggest brands and retailers all over the world, and this new venture will further enhance that service and enable us to grow into new markets with new partners.”

Hopkins continues: “I have long been an admirer of Pallak, his incredible global team, and the work that they do in our industry; I have seen first-hand how they have quietly been providing innovative fashion solutions in the most ethical and trusted way, and I am delighted to now be joining the PDS family. Together we will combine our expertise to build on our successes in creating, growing, and developing brands to nurture profitable partnerships.  We will also acquire brands where we can to support the owners and founders to grow beyond their vision whilst paving the way for a more sustainable and transparent fashion industry."