Clothing group goes up a size with latest acquisition

One of the country’s largest corporate wear suppliers has gone up a size after completing its latest acquisition.

Oldbury-based Direct Corporate Clothing (DCC) plc, a major supplier of corporate clothing, technical workwear and personal protective equipment, has acquired Incorporatewear (ICW) from Workwear Group.

Founded in 1999, DCC is recognised by the London Stock Exchange as a Top 1000 company inspiring Britain.

Incorporatewear is a corporate wear and uniform supplier based in Coleshill.

Sam Sohal, DCC joint managing director, said: “We’re proud to announce the acquisition of Incorporatewear as this will further strengthen our current client base and add new sectors which complement each company’s supply chain and service offering. The two companies will operate independently, but will share best practice to enhance their overall product offerings. We are pleased that the current senior management team will remain with Incorporatewear and continue under the leadership of Ed Grigg.”

Ed Grigg, Incorporatewear general manager, added: “These are exciting times in the next chapter of the ICW story. The combination of two such recognised brands in the industry will provide great opportunities for our existing and new customers, whilst allowing us to continue to deliver on our strategic objectives.”

DCC was advised by Taj Lalli and Katie Hellewell from KPMG’s corporate finance practice and Ragi Singh and Grace Humber at Gowling WLG.

Workwear Group was advised by Deloitte and Addleshaw Goddard.

Taj Lalli said: “Incorporatewear is a great addition to DCC as it will boost the company’s expertise and offering in the corporate clothing and uniform marketplace. It’s a real boon for the region to see two leading businesses within the corporate clothing sector join forces.

“Despite the challenges of the last 12 months, there’s real appetite for high quality businesses with a sustainable future, and this is a great example. This transaction highlights the value of strategic M&A in the current environment, as activity in the sector is set to continue and, along with the broader market, we expect to see significant activity throughout 2021.”