Country clothing firm bought by equestrian group

Country clothing firm Mears (Credit: Mears)

Country clothing firm Mears, which dressed the British equestrian teams at the London 2012 Olympics, has been bought by a Yorkshire group.

John Mears, the son of company founder Raymond, has retired and the Walsall-company has become part of the International Riding Company. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

International Riding Company already runs the Harry Hall International clothing business from its base in Bradford.

John Mears said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the company started by my father in 1982 – and our loyal Mears employees – to develop as part of the IRCL group, who will further our passionate commitment to British manufacturing.”

The firm and its staff will continue to be based in Walsall, while Julie Nuttall of Harry Hall will become its commercial director.

Edward Wakefield, co-chairman of IRCL, said: “Mears’ range of patterns, its Walsall factory and its reputation for combining the best British made materials and workmanship make this an ideal marriage with our other brands including Harry Hall, Caldene, Masta and Tottie.

“With our expertise and global contacts we look forward to developing the Mears product range further and introducing the brand to new customers around Britain and the world.”

A team from Midlands law firm Thursfields, led by director Gareth Burge, advised on the purchase.

He said: “It’s encouraging to see such established British businesses combine their strengths in a traditional marketplace that really cares about all the clothing they purchase.”

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