White Stuff’s entrepreneur owners explore sale

The co-owners of White Stuff, George Treves and Sean Thomas, have enlisted investment bank Rothschild to advise them on a potential sale of business after receiving an unsolicited takeover offer.

Sources told Sky News that the co-founders have not committed to a sale of the fashion and lifestyle chain and that a decision is dependent on the valuation.

One analyst suggested that the company could be worth in the region of £50 million.

Back in November 2023, the company reported sales up 13.3% in the year to 29 April 2023 with all channels reporting an uplift.

The retailer said the the performance was down to focusing on "what its customers want and what sets it apart – thoughtfully created designs with unique details, great quality and fit, and sustainable fabrics."

Established in 1985 by George Treves and Sean Thomas, began their partnership by selling T-shirts door to door. In 1991, the company opened its first store in London and launched The White Stuff Foundation in 2010.
The British fashion and lifestyle brand now sells menswear, womenswear and kidswear as well as accessories and homeware.

The company is still owned by its founders, however ir is run by Jo Jenkins, who ran clothing and beauty at Marks & Spencer until she quit to join White Stuff in 2017.

White Stuff has steadily built a prominent presence on Britain's high streets, and now trades from more than 100 shops and employs 1,200 people. It also sells through third parties including M&S, John Lewis and Next.