Wednesday 10 June 2026 19:34
| Updated:
Wednesday 10 June 2026 19:39
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has moved to tighten its grip on German fashion giant Hugo Boss, submitting a takeover bid in a deal that values the brand at almost €2 billion.
The retail empire, which includes Sports Direct and Flannels, has been Hugo Boss’ biggest investor with a stake of 25 per cent, and has now sought to overcome the minority position that stood in its way.
Frasers is offering €38 per share for the part of the business it doesn’t already own. The previous closing price in Frankfurt for the shares ended just above €36. If successful, the deal would be worth around €1.98 billion (£1.73 billion) and is expected to close in the second half of the year, subject to regulatory approval.
Hugo Boss has not publicly responded to the approach, which puts the group’s upside at just over four percent.
In a statement, Frasers sought to position the move as an extension of its long-term commitment rather than a break with management, describing Hugo Boss as a “key brand partner” and one of its most important relationships with the wider group.
“Hugo Boss is a key brand partner for Frasers, and one of the top five brands in the Frasers group,” the company said.
“Frasers is a long-term investor in Hugo Boss and remains supportive of Stephan Sturm, chairman of the supervisory board, and Daniel Grieder, Chief Executive Officer, in pursuing a sustainable growth strategy while continuing to build brand equity.
“The Frasers board of directors is confident that increasing Frasers’ investment in Hugo Boss will create value for Frasers shareholders.”
In March AM City revealed Frasers is taking a stake in athletics giant Puma.
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