Tufnell circles Duffer brand

Greg Tufnell, who led a buyout of Peter Werth earlier this year, is understood to be eyeing menswear brand Duffer of St George.

The future of the streetwear brand, which scored massive success with its branded hoodies in the early 2000s, was unclear as Drapers went to press. Sources in the market said one of the leading investors in the business was considering whether or not to continue backing the brand, which had opened up the possibility of Tufnell making an offer.

Tufnell, the former chief executive of fashion group Marchpole, took a majority stake in menswear label Peter Werth in January.

He is believed to have already expressed his interest in buying Duffer of St George to the board, which is made up of Eddie Prendergast, Marco Cairns and Simon Harris.

According to documents filed at Companies House, the lead shareholder in Duffer of St George is Thomas Heidecker.

The brand has about 120 accounts in the UK.

A sale of Duffer of St George would have no impact on its Designers at Debenhams range. Last year the department store paid around £2.5 million to buy the rights to the line.
Neither Duffer of St George or Tufnell were available for comment as Drapers went to press.