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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

What a Fashion Company Is Worth Today

In an era of austerity on Wall Street, apparel businesses are more likely to be valued on their profits rather than sales, which usually means lower payouts for founders and investors. That is, if they can find a buyer in the first place.
Last year, there were 118 acquisitions globally in the fashion category, the lowest count in at least a decade, according to Dealogic.
Last year, there were 118 acquisitions globally in the fashion category, the lowest count in at least a decade, according to Dealogic. (Shutterstock/BoF)

When Milan-based private equity firm Styles Capital announced it acquired the sneaker brand Autry earlier this month, it seemed to signal a reawakening of fashion’s deal market.

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Further Reading

Fashion’s Top M&A Targets

The market may be cooling, but a number of in-demand brands remain of interest to financial backers. BoF identifies the top targets.

About the author
Cathaleen Chen
Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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