White Stuff has been acquired by TFG

Arrowpoint Advisory’s Consumer, Retail and Leisure team has advised the shareholders of White Stuff, the multi-channel lifestyle brand, on its sale to TFG Brands (London) ("TFG"), the UK subsidiary of the South African listed retail clothing group, The Foschini Group.

Founded in 1985, White Stuff specialises in unique, thoughtfully designed clothing and accessories for women, men and children. White Stuff has 113 stores and 46 concessions in the UK – within John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and other quality independent retailers – operates 6 stores and 25 concessions across Europe, retails online internationally and has 606 wholesale stockists – 178 in the UK and Ireland and 428 internationally. Overall online sales currently contribute 43% of total sales.

The White Stuff brand joins a leading suite of UK-based fashion brands already owned by TFG, such as Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight. 

CEO of TFG London, Justin Hampshire, said of the acquisition: “We are thrilled to welcome the White Stuff team into the TFG London family. We have long admired the White Stuff brand which is synonymous with unique detail and exceptional quality. The addition of White Stuff to TFG London diversifies and strengthens our existing womenswear portfolio, adding the first lifestyle brand while also bringing a well-established menswear offer and its loyal and resilient customer base.”

CEO of White Stuff, Jo Jenkins commented TFG London is the ideal owner for the business because of the value of White Stuff’s brand and the wealth of premium retail experience in the business. “This is a very exciting moment for White Stuff and represents the natural next step for our business. It builds on the hard work and success the brand has achieved in recent years.”

Debbie Hewitt, Chair of White Stuff added: “We would like to thank the Arrowpoint Advisory team for the role they played in helping deliver a successful transaction. Their deep knowledge of the retail sector meant they ran a very focused process with clear insight into the buyer community.”

Jamie Hutton, Director at Arrowpoint Advisory, highlighted: “Having been founder owned since inception nearly 40 years ago, this transaction represents a landmark milestone in the White Stuff journey. It was therefore critical that we found the right home for an exceptional business – TFG presented a compelling proposition, combining a shared view on culture and values with the tools and experience to help White Stuff drive continued growth globally and we look forward to following the businesses continued success.”

Simon Cope-Thompson, Managing Director at Arrowpoint Advisory, concluded: “It has been a pleasure working with Jo and the wider White Stuff leadership team on this significant transaction. White Stuff is a unique, market leading brand in the lifestyle sector and we are delighted to have delivered a successful result for all stakeholders.”

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