End of Recession Heralds Renewed Interest in Luxury

Monday, 14 June 2010

By all accounts 2009 was challenging for many retailers. But far from stagnating, M&A activity in the luxury sector had already begun gathering pace by the end of the year with the acquisition of leather-goods retailer Smythson by Italy-based Tivoli Group in December. More deals followed with TA Associates’ acquisition of Cath Kidston in March 2010 and Richemont taking a majority stake in Net-a-Porter in April. Most recently, Harrods was sold to the Qatari royal family for approximately £1.5 billion.

And it’s not only acquisitions driving the growth in the luxury sector—some upmarket retailers are planning organic expansion. To find out who they are and what they’re doing to take advantage of a resurgence in luxury retailing, click here.