Luxury firm PPR close to a deal to sell off Redcats plus-size unit
THE Redcats mail order unit of French retail and luxury group PPR SA is in late-stage talks to sell its plus-size fashion business to Boston-based private equity firm Charlesbank, according to four sources.
The deal for OneStopPlus will likely be between $400m and $500m (£250m to £300m), the sources said.
Earlier this month, PPR’s Redcats unit sold its US sports and leisure business, Sportsman’s Guide, as well as its Golf Warehouse business, to retailer Northern Tool + Equipment for $215m.
The deal follows last month’s announcement of plans to spin off PPR’s Fnac music and book unit and last year’s sale of the Conforama furniture unit.
Last year, PPR hired Rothschild to sell off its entire Redcats business, but there was no buyer.
Now, the parent company of high-end brands including Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Yves Saint Laurent is looking to unload the unit in pieces.
PPR, the world’s third-largest luxury group behind LVMH and Switzerland’s Richemont, has been trying to unload its various retail businesses for several years in order to focus on luxury and sports brands which it has said have stronger growth prospects.
Last month PPR said the process for the disposal of Redcats was under way and that all options were being considered.
Peter J. Solomon, which sources said is advising PPR on the process, declined to comment.
PPR, Charlesbank and Rothschild also declined to comment.
Shares in PPR closed 0.2 per cent higher yesterday at €140.5, giving the luxury firm an estimated market capitalisation of €17.7bn.