Rigby & Peller Keeps Lingerie Business Expanding

The new owner of Rigby & peller has said it will open at least 2 new stores in the U.K. every year from 2012 in a bid to expand the business after it aquired 87% of the business in a deal last week. Fashion site Drapers has also reported that the new owner plans to expand the company overseas, with stores in the U.K. being outside its normal London remit.

Belgian lingerie brand house Van de Velde made a deal with the lingerie company last week for an 87% stake in Rigby & Peller for the price of £8 million. Previous sole owner June Kenton, and her son David Kenton, will still hold key positions at the company.

'By buying them we are allowing them to grow more quickly than they would have been able to.'

Van de Velde chief executive Ignace Van Doorselaere said: 'We have to be careful not to jeopardise the business by growing too fast and compromising on the things that make Rigby & Peller what it is, such as service and fitting expertise. We would not look to open any more than 2 new stores in the UK each year'

Van de Velde already owns lingerie brands including Marie Jo, Andres Sarda and PrimaDonna with a presence in the US through the Intimacy chain.

Rigby & Peller already has 7 stores - six in London and one in Campbride. Van Doorselaere cpmmented, 'We are a cash business, so by buying them we are allowing them to grow more quickly than they would have been able to.'