Quilted jackets and accessories manufacturer Lavenham Leisure has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by sports fashion firm Fred Perry.
The Sudbury-based company, which was established in 1969, has an international reputation in the equestrian and country lifestyle markets, with exports accounting for more than 75% of its sales.
Fred Perry Holdings Ltd said in a statement that Lavenham managing director Nicky Santomauro would continue in her role and that manufacturing would remain the the current site, in Churchfield Road, Sudbury, where it has been based since 2002.
“The brand has established an impressive reputation in international markets,” the statement added. “There is an international requirement for product innovation combined with British manufacture, a strength that Fred Perry intends to build on under its ownership.”
John Flynn, chief executive of Fred Perry, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Lavenham business and team into our group.
“The Lavenham brand shares many similar characteristics with Fred Perry, and we are excited about working with Nicky and her team to help further develop the international markets for this flourishing brand.”
The Fred Perry business was formed by the eponymous former Wimbledon champion (the last Briton to win the men’s singles title until Andy Murray earlier this year) in the early 1950s.
The company is based in Covent Garden, London, and is owned by the Japanese company Hit Union Co Ltd.
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