Frasers Group increase stake in Hugo Boss again

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jun 22, 2022

Frasers Group said on Wednesday that it has once again increased its holding in German luxury fashion giant Hugo Boss. The company now – either directly or indirectly – controls more than 30% of the firm’s stock. 

It said it directly holds 4.9% of Hugo Boss's total share capital and it has ‘put options’ representing another 26% of the company.

It added that as of this week, this adds up to a holding valued at around €900 million (£770 million).

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But once again, company stressed that this isn't about a gradual takeover of the German firm. 

Frasers said: “This investment reflects Frasers Group's belief in the Hugo Boss brand, strategy and management team. Frasers Group continues to intend to be a supportive stakeholder and create value in the interests of both Frasers Group's and Hugo Boss' shareholders.”

The news comes almost exactly two years after the British firm first revealed a stake of around 5% in Hugo Boss, a holding it later increased, leading to speculation about its intentions.

But the company has continued to insist that it's not planning anything other than a strategic investment in what it sees as a strong business.

Frasers is one of the most acquisitive UK fashion-focused groups and its interests have ranged widely across the retail and brand sector, taking in businesses at a variety of price levels.

The company also holds a stake in luxury brand Mulberry, for instance, while at the other end of the market, this year it has acquired both Studio Retail and Missguided out of administration.

It also previously held major stakes in Debenhams (of which it was keen to acquire control), and French Connection, among others. The latter holding didn't prove to be a good bet for the firm as French Connection’s fortunes waned and it was eventually taken into private hands.