It’s been a challenging couple of years for the luxury brand sector as it continues to adapt to erratic consumer behaviour, the blurring of channels to market, increasing international travel and the millennial luxury customer. For a handful of renowned labels, teaming up with Asian investors poses as the best strategy in ensuring continued brand development while achieving a more global and exclusive footprint. The Peak takes a look at some of the most significant acquisitions in recent years that have raised a number of well-defined eyebrows in the world of luxury retail.
05 AQUASCUTUM
Renowned for its utilitarian designs meant to withstand the most extreme of weather conditions, this 166-year-old British heritage brand has since evolved into a badge of individuality that is worn by trendsetters from all corners of the globe. The history of Aquascutum dates back to 1851, when tailor John Emary decided to open a menswear shop in Regent Street before creating a method of producing a water-repellent textile. During the Crimean and Second World Wars, British army officers would don the label’s raincoats on the battle grounds. In 2012, Aquascutum was acquired by Hong Kong-based YGM Trading for GBP15 million. In March this year, YGM announced that it had sold Aquascutum for GBP95 million to Jining Ruyi Investment, a holding company owned by Shandong Ruyi Technology Group.
