G-III CONNECTION: French Connection Group has teamed with G-III Apparel Group to build in North America.
The two companies formed a “long-term partnership” that will have G-III making and distributing French Connection-branded men’s and women’s apparel as well as some accessories across the market.
Apinder Singh Ghura, chairman of French Connection, led a 2021 deal to buy the brand for 29 million pounds through MIP Holdings. Since then, Ghura and MIP have been working to revitalize the business and position it for the future.
Ghura said the deal with G-III advances this strategy and expressed confidence in his new partner’s “ability to unlock meaningful opportunity for French Connection in North America. This agreement builds on our global momentum and reflects our commitment to expanding the brand’s reach and relevance.”
Likewise, Morris Goldfarb, chairman and chief executive officer of G-III, said: “Expanding our portfolio of strategic licenses remains central to our growth strategy. This partnership leverages our scaled infrastructure and proven strengths in design, sourcing, and distribution to extend the brand’s legacy and deepen its connection to today’s consumer.”
G-III has a long history building big fashion businesses in the market.
In addition to its owned brands like DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld and Vilebrequin, it has a long list of licensed businesses with Levi’s, Nautica, Champion, Halston, Converse, BCBG and others. The addition of French Connection will help the company drive business as it continues to exit the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein businesses after a contentious split that began in 2022.
