Frasers Group is seeking to increase its stake in Hugo Boss beyond 50%, taking the British retailer closer to majority control of the German fashion house after its earlier takeover attempt fell short, according to The Wall Street Journal and Reuters. Frasers currently owns 47.89% of Hugo Boss, equivalent to about 33.05 million shares, and plans to acquire additional shares in the marke.
The move follows Frasers’ €1.93 billion takeover offer launched in June for the shares it did not already own. The offer ultimately failed to secure full control, but Frasers has continued building its position and now needs only a small additional stake to cross the 50% threshold.
Frasers, controlled by British billionaire Mike Ashley, is also reviewing whether it will continue supporting Stephan Sturm as chairman of Hugo Boss’s supervisory board. The company said it would disclose its position publicly if it decides to withdraw that support.
Crossing 50% would give Frasers a clear majority interest in one of Europe’s best known fashion brands, strengthening Ashley’s push to expand the group beyond sports retail and deeper into premium and luxury fashion.
