Edinburgh Woollen Mill snaps up Leeds tailoring firm

Leeds-headquartered tailoring firm Berwin & Berwin has been acquired by Edinburgh Woollen Mill, saving 800 jobs.

Tony Wright, Phil Pierce and Russell Cash, partners at business advisory firm FRP Advisory, were appointed joint administrators following tough trading at Berwin & Berwin.

They have sold the UK part of the business and its assets to Formal Tailoring 1885 Limited, which is part of the EWM Group. The acquisition includes its three brands Paul Costelloe, Lambretta and Baumler, 36 menswear concessions and outlets, and all existing stock.

Berwin & Berwin will now open a further five menswear concessions in 2018 and its brands will be stocked in EWM Group’s Days Department Stores and other stores within the group.

Berwin & Berwin’s German and Hungarian operations will also be run by EWM Group, which will act as the main operator in a joint venture with unnamed partners. Baumler is based in Berwin & Berwin’s German office, while Berwin & Berwin’s Hungarian operations are home to the company’s factory.

 

 

Joint administrator Pierce added: “Not only does this deal save hundreds of jobs, it ensures the continuity of supply so there is no disruption for customers. Berwin & Berwin produces premium, high-quality products and by working closely with the directors to market the business and its assets for sale, we’ve been able to find a buyer that has strong synergies with the company, and ultimately a solution that delivers a positive result for all parties.”

The acquisition brings the number of stores and concessions that Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group operates to 1,113. The group now employs approximately 24,000 people worldwide.

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