Apax

Cole Haan launches luggage, pivots into travel

Cole Haan is expanding into travel goods with its first-ever suitcases and a travel-focused sneaker, positioning the brand as a travel lifestyle company. The suitcases (four collections) arrive Aug. 17 and are polycarbonate with TSA locks; the GrandPrø Packwell sneaker, designed to save suitcase space, launches Aug. 6. Cole Haan worked with manufacturer Travelway Group on the luggage and is increasing retail presence in tourist hubs (including Disney Springs, Boston and an airport location in Saudi Arabia). The company plans to grow its roster of social-media creators and brand ambassadors while relying on consumer research showing social media influences luggage purchases.

Takko's New CEO Aims for Rapid Store Expansion

Martino Pessina, an Italian retail executive with prior leadership roles at H&M and Pandora, became CEO of German fashion retailer Takko (started January 2024) and plans rapid brick-and-mortar growth. After a 2023 creditor-led restructuring in which bondholders including Silver Point Capital converted debt into equity and reduced Apax’s stake to below 10%, Takko aims to add about 300 stores to its roughly 2,000-shop network over the next three years, mainly in Germany. Revenue reached €1.3 billion in 2024. Pessina positions Takko between H&M and Kik, targets value-conscious family shoppers, prefers store locations near discounters like Lidl or Aldi, and emphasises increased sales and profitability while downplaying a major role for e-commerce and highlighting loyalty as a lever.

UK Publishers Reach Digital Tipping Point

UK publishers are approaching a digital tipping point as Deloitte and the Association of Online Publishers (AOP) data show digital revenue growing faster than print decline. Video advertising is gaining share at the expense of display due to outstream formats, while sponsorships and subscriptions emerge as key revenue drivers. The article surveys major UK groups: Telegraph Media Group reported 2015 operating profit of £51m, pre-tax profit £47m, and turnover £319m over a 53-week period to 3 January 2016; Guardian Media Group posted rising digital revenue (2015: £82.1m; 2014: £68.3m) and plans £50m in cost cuts over three years; Trader Media Group’s stake was sold to Apax in 2014. Trinity Mirror shows print ad revenue down sharply in a four‑month window, with digital up around 15.7%. ESI Media notes The Independent’s print shutdown and traffic gains; News UK’s results reflect ongoing losses but a focus on open web and video strategy. The piece frames a broader shift toward digital‑first publishing.