Collections Group buys Frank Bird

Richard Clews

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Jersey-based retail stable Collections Group has acquired the Drapers Award winning menswear independent Frank Bird.

The deal, which includes both Frank Bird's Barnsley and Wakefield stores, was finalised last week for an undisclosed sum.

"It's a fantastic business and it gives us a platform to do more business in the UK," said Collections Group managing director, Richard Clews. We've achieved a lot on the islands but we are limited by the geography and are looking more closely now at expanding through the mainland via retail acquisitions."

Clews said there would be no changes made to Frank Bird's 23-strong buying and sales team. "The business will continue to operate self-sufficiently. We've operated retail across the country and a success factor is the local knowledge that the buyers have,"  he said.

Former Frank Bird owner Malcolm Bird added: "We have every confidence that Richard will take on Frank Bird and develop it in a way that conforms with what we would have wanted for the business."

The acquisition of Frank Bird will increase Collection Group's  buying muscle, taking on a brand roster of 44 labels including Paul Smith Jeans and PS, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Boss Green, Orange and Black.

Collections Group now owns 10 stores mainly in the Channel Islands. Shops include the five-strong Axle fascia focusing on designer womenswear, young fashion, kidswear, and premium menswear, as well as tailoring specialist Men's Club, the men's lifestyle store Robert Ashworth in Reigate, Surrey, and a multi-brand menswear concept, Pierretoni, within the De Gruchy department store at St Helier, in Jersey.