Frasers Group vs New Balance

Frasers Group forms luxury unit with over £1B revenue

Frasers Group is advancing its transformation into a luxury-focused international retail and investment conglomerate by establishing Frasers Group Luxury, a new unit that consolidates its UK and US luxury operations. The unit, centered on Flannels, Harvey Nichols, and The Webster, generates over £1 billion in revenue with more than 100 stores. Flannels serves as the operational core with over 80 UK stores, while Harvey Nichols, acquired via prepack administration in August 2026, and The Webster, acquired in 2025, provide prestige and US market entry. The group also holds significant stakes in Hugo Boss (47.89%), Mulberry (37.1%), and Burberry (6.32%). Strategic expansion will be organic and through acquisitions and investments.

• Frasers Group created 'Frasers Group Luxury' to consolidate its UK and US luxury businesses.
• The new unit generates over £1 billion in revenue and operates more than 100 stores.
• Flannels operates over 80 stores in the UK and is the core of the luxury strategy.

Harvey Nichols relaunches online shop after Frasers takeover

Harvey Nichols has relaunched its online shop less than a month after being acquired by Frasers Group. The website, previously shut down during the transition, is now operated by Frasers Group Trading Limited. The relaunch includes the promotion of Frasers Plus loyalty program, offering interest-free installments. The takeover, completed on August 13, 2026, included six UK department stores, online operations, and international franchises, with over 1,000 employees transferred. Unsecured creditors, including suppliers, face significant losses, with claims of £270.5 million potentially recovering less than 15 pence per pound. The new owner faces the challenge of stabilizing supplier relationships, reducing costs, and integrating Harvey Nichols into its luxury portfolio without losing its distinct brand identity.

• Harvey Nichols relaunched its online shop in September 2026, operated by Frasers Group Trading Limited.
• The acquisition by Frasers Group closed on August 13, 2026, via a pre-pack administration.
• The deal included six UK department stores, online operations, and international franchise agreements.

Frasers Acquires Harvey Nichols from Insolvency

Frasers Group completed a pre-pack acquisition of Harvey Nichols on 13 August 2026, buying six UK department stores (Knightsbridge, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh), the online business, inventory, international franchise agreements and more than 1,000 employees. The online shop was temporarily taken offline while Frasers integrates IT, stock and processes; customers were advised that refunds and gift vouchers issued before the sale must be claimed from the insolvency administrator. The parties did not disclose the price; media reported about £40 million. Harvey Nichols recorded five consecutive loss-making years, including a pre-tax loss of £35.3m on roughly £204.9m of sales in 2023/24 and a later post-tax loss heavily affected by a ~£169m intercompany loan write-down. Frasers plans to restructure the store portfolio, operations and cost base and apply its technology, logistics and buying capabilities in the turnaround.

• Pre-pack acquisition completed 13 August 2026; price not disclosed (media reports ~£40m).
• Transaction transferred six UK stores, the online business, inventory, international franchise agreements and more than 1,000 employees.
• Harvey Nichols had five consecutive loss-making years, including a £35.3m pre-tax loss in 2023/24 and a later post-tax loss heavily affected by a ~£169m intercompany loan write-down.

New Balance signs actor Ramin Yousofzai as Swiss brand ambassador

New Balance has appointed Swiss actor and former SRF comedian Ramin Yousofzai as its new brand ambassador in Switzerland. The announcement was made by Chris Sports, the Swiss representative of the brand. Yousofzai will be tasked with increasing New Balance's visibility in culture, entertainment, and everyday life. The collaboration will be officially presented on October 23. Previously, the brand primarily relied on track and field athletes for endorsements. Yousofzai co-founded the SRF comedy format 'Zwei am Morge' in 2018 and hosted it until 2022. He has since focused on acting, appearing in the SRF series 'Die Beschatter' and an upcoming Zurich 'Tatort' episode. He also creates, writes, and directs commercials, and has starred in a social media series for Helvetia insurance since 2022. No details on the duration of the partnership or planned campaigns were disclosed.

• New Balance has appointed actor Ramin Yousofzai as brand ambassador in Switzerland.
• The announcement was made by Chris Sports, the Swiss representative of New Balance.
• Yousofzai previously co-founded the SRF comedy format 'Zwei am Morge' and hosted it until 2022.

New Balance Awarded Contract to Provide the U.S. Military with American-Made Athletic Footwear

New Balance has been awarded a contract to provide the U.S. military with American-made athletic footwear, announced on 18 Sep 2026.

New Balance sues Decathlon over Kiprun logo

New Balance has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Decathlon in the United States, alleging that the logo on the Kiprun running shoes too closely resembles its distinctive 'N' emblem. The case, filed in Massachusetts federal court, targets Decathlon America and argues that consumers may confuse the Kiprun symbol with the New Balance brand. New Balance claims the 'N' has been used since the 1970s and is seeking an injunction against the use of the disputed logo as well as financial damages. The amount of damages has not been specified. The lawsuit, case number 1:26-cv-14235, follows previous trademark disputes involving New Balance's 'N' logo, including cases against Michael Kors and Nautica, and a 2017 ruling in China awarding $1.5 million.

• New Balance filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Decathlon in the U.S. over the Kiprun shoe logo.
• The lawsuit is filed at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts under case number 1:26-cv-14235.
• New Balance alleges the Kiprun logo, a mirrored 'K', is too similar to its 'N' symbol used since the 1970s.