In a strategic move, Permira Growth Opportunities II has acquired a minority stake in French premium outerwear brand K-Way.
- The investment aims to bolster K-Way’s brand presence in France and Italy, focusing on international growth.
- Financial details regarding the acquisition remain undisclosed.
- Permira plans to expand K-Way’s product line and store portfolio.
- Sebastien Floch highlights K-Way’s unique brand value and Permira’s commitment to its global expansion.
Permira Growth Opportunities II, a fund advised by the global investment firm Permira, which owns Dr Martens, has strategically acquired a significant minority equity stake in K-Way, a premium French outerwear brand. This acquisition, made from the Italian clothing group BasicNet, was revealed without disclosing the financial particulars of the arrangement. Such investments are indicative of Permira’s focused strategy to enhance luxury brand portfolios.
The overarching goal behind this acquisition is to reinforce K-Way’s brand prestige within its core markets of France and Italy, while ambitiously pursuing international expansion. Permira’s extensive experience and financial backing are expected to play a critical role in consolidating K-Way’s market position.
Permira has announced plans to diversify K-Way’s product offerings and increase its store count, thereby augmenting its physical footprint significantly. This approach is aligned with their strategy to elevate brand visibility and market share on a global scale.
Sebastien Floch, Permira’s principal and head of France, remarked on K-Way’s intrinsic ‘scarcity value’ and its strong industry reputation. He stated, “We have followed the business for a number of years and have found that K-Way is a brand with real scarcity value, which encompasses everything the Permira Consumer team loves to back: an iconic brand and product, strong heritage and DNA, universal customer appeal and distinctive positioning.” His comments reflect the investment firm’s confidence in leveraging their expertise to assist K-Way’s growth trajectory.
This acquisition marks a pivotal step for K-Way as it seeks to expand its international presence bolstered by Permira’s strategic investment.
