Sass & Bide coy on investment talk

 

Sass & Bide chief executive David Briskin has denied recent media reports that the womenswear business is actively seeking an investor or buyer.

“We are not specifically looking for an investor,” he said. “We do get approached by people all the time wanting to either partner together or do some projects together, or invest in the business potentially.”

Briskin and business partner Daniel Besen purchased a share of the company in 2009, to become part-owners with founders Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton. Briskin disputed speculation that he was not committed long term.

“I am really passionate and the girls are really passionate about the future of the business,” he said.

He confirmed its operations have been under strategic review in conjunction with financial advisory firm KPMG. Core areas include international distribution, retail rollouts and banking relationships.

Briskin said regardless of whether further parties invest in the business, the brand will focus on expansion in the UK and Asia next year. In late November, it launched its first concession concept in Harvey Nichols department store in London. He said a stand-alone store in London and further wholesale push is likely.

The label opened its first New Zealand store in Auckland this year. Briskin said it is looking at a second site in the city, exploring options in Wellington. The brand has also been approached by its Hong Kong distributor to branch into retail.

Melinda Oliver