Lingerie brand snapped up by Japanese underwear giant

Bravissimo has been acquired by a Japanese-listed manufacturer of women’s lingerie and underwear, as it looks to boost its UK position.

The Leamington Spa-based lingerie brand has been snapped up by Wacoal Holdings’ UK subsidary, owner of brands such as Freya, Elomi, Wacoal, Fantasie and Goddess. Bravissimo has sold these products across its 26 UK stores for many years.

Founded in 1995, Bravissimo is a leader in bras and bra-sized swimwear, made for D cups and up. The company employs 700 people and has 26 shops throughout the UK, with one outlet in the US that complements its online store which sells to women all over the world.

Wacoal Europe is headquartered in the UK and has a truly global reach with its products stocked in over 2,700 retailers in over 30 countries.

Under its new ownership, Bravissimo will continue operating as a separate company from its office and warehouse in Leamington Spa, with Leanne Cahill remaining as its CEO.

Cahill said: “I will be working closely with the team at Wacoal to maximise the growth opportunities that our partnership will bring whilst maintaining Bravissimo’s heritage and the unique experience we offer our customers.”

Founder Sarah Tremellen added: “Bravissimo has sold Wacoal’s brands since the very first day the business started in my living room and both companies have been instrumental in improving the range of bigger cup sizes in the UK over the last 30 years”.

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP advised Bravissimo on its sale, whilst Gateley Legal advised Wacoal Europe.

The BDO M&A team was led by M&A partner Laura McNaughton and M&A Managing Director, Lorna Hopkinson.

McNaughton said: “BDO is extremely proud to have supported Bravissimo, as it enters the next phase of its impressive growth journey. Through a combination of both rapid preparation and early communication with a competitive buyer pool, we were able to ensure a successful change of ownership. We look forward to seeing the continued development of Bravissimo under its new owners.”

Leanne Cahill, CEO at Bravissimo, said: “The BDO team worked closely with us to find the perfect buyer. Their knowledge and experience played a key part in the outcome and we are delighted with the result. The new ownership will allow the brand to continue to flourish, while enabling us to boost operational efficiency and international market reach through Wacoal’s global presence.

“BDO has really demonstrated its trusted advisor status and ability to deliver a successful outcome for all parties.”

Gateley Legal’s team was led by corporate partner and head of the Corporate Platform, Charles Glaskie and corporate senior associate Ffion Brumwell-Hughes.

Charles Glaskie commented: “We are delighted to have advised Wacoal on its successful acquisition of Bravissimo. The transaction highlights Wacoal’s dedication to offering diverse, high-quality apparel and the addition of Bravissimo reinforces the group’s commitment to inclusivity, offering huge growth potential for both parties involved.”

Vaughan Waylett, Finance Director of Wacoal Europe said: “Gateley has been a true partner to Wacoal Europe throughout this process. We have worked with Charles and his team for many years and they have always delivered in the most professional manner. This acquisition is a rare and exciting opportunity to unify two like-minded companies and we needed a legal partner that understood the importance of the task.”