July 5 - French retailer and luxury goods giant PPR said on Monday it was taking a majority stake in Swiss watchmaker Sowind Group, whose high-end brands include Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard.

collection of 2011, Girard-Perregaux

PPR will own 50.1 percent of the group, up from the 23 percent it previously owned, after a reserved capital increase that will be fully subscribed by PPR, it said in a statement.

PPR's chief executive will become chairman of Sowind Group, alongside Monica Mailander Macaluso, who becomes vice-chairman.

Terms were not disclosed.

(Reporting by Helen Massy-Beresford; Editing by Christian Plumb)