Alceon Group’s private equity business has acquired the Pumpkin Patch childrenswear business.
The transaction, which completed this month, includes Pumpkin Patch’s existing stock and intellectual property.
Alceon is a leading investor in retail businesses and oversees one of Australia’s largest retail portfolios, including Noni B, Ezibuy, SurfStitch and Cheap as Chips.
Founded in New Zealand in 1990, Pumpkin Patch has a reputation as a leading retailer of high-quality and durable children’s wear.
At its peak, its annual revenue was approximately $NZ300 million and it operated over 180 stores across Australia and New Zealand.
The business was acquired in March 2017 by its current owner, Catch Group Pty Ltd, from the company’s receivers.
Alceon executive director Richard Facioni said the group hopes to revive the brand.
“The Pumpkin Patch brand has strong recognition in both Australia and New Zealand and its products are highly respected in the children’s wear markets.
"Pumpkin Patch will complement our existing retail portfolio and, through leveraging the resources of our EziBuy business, we are confident we can successfully re-launch and re-build this iconic brand.”
Pumpkin Patch will initially be re-launched in New Zealand through EziBuy and will feature in EziBuy’s online and physical stores, planned for the end of October. A full re-launch of Pumpkin Patch into the Australian and New Zealand markets is planned for July 2019. Alceon also plans eventually to launch stand-alone Pumpkin Patch stores.