June 9, 2016
Willkie represents London-based Bregal Freshstream in its acquisition of the popular British handbag and accessories brand.
On June 6, Willkie client Bregal Freshstream announced it has acquired Radley, the well-known British handbag and accessories brand.
Radley is the leading British handbag and accessories brand in the fast-growing affordable luxury market with a multi-channel business and established distribution network covering the UK, Europe and Asia. The company was founded in 1998 and since 2007 has been majority owned by Exponent Private Equity. The deal represents Bregal Freshstream’s third investment since launching its €600 million fund in September 2015.
Radley has established a significant presence in the UK with 33 stores and eight concessions in key cities and retail centers in addition to a presence in 33 John Lewis stores, 58 branches of House of Fraser and over 200 other department stores and independent shops nationwide. The group also has a strong eCommerce offering with dedicated websites for the UK, German and Japanese markets.
Based in London, Bregal Freshstream is an investment firm investing in growing businesses in Western Europe, with a particular focus on the UK and Benelux markets. Willkie also represented Bregal Freshstream in its December 2015 acquisition of Belgian self-service restaurant chain Lunch Garden, which was the company’s first investment since launching its maiden fund.
The multidisciplinary Willkie deal team was led by partner Claire McDaid and included associates Philip Coletto, Joshua Begner and Gerard Kelly. Assistance was also provided by UK partner Judith Harger, and associates Martin Michalski, Mamoun Shafi, Henri Weil, Shinasa Wasimi, Amir Ghavi and Rachel Dooley.
