British brand Radley acquired by investment firm

British accessible luxury brand Radley is having its global brand and related intellectual property assets sold to an affiliate of global asset management company, Gordon Brothers.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP has advised the Radley Group and FTI Consulting as administrators on the sale.

Most famous for its handbags, the Radley watch licence has been held by Midlands-based Peers Hardy since 2011, during which time it’s been designing, manufacturing, and distributing Radley’s timepieces.

Gordon Brothers has stated its intention to invest in Radley and support the next phase of development, specifically expanding the brand’s footprint in the US, UK, Australia, and Asia.

Speaking to Watch Insider, Peers Hardy’s global sales and marketing director said: “We have been aware of discussions for quite a while and indeed met with the Gordon Brothers team before the sale was finalised.

“We have enjoyed a 15 year partnership with the Radley brand, adding smart watches and jewellery over the years to our initial quartz watch agreement. Although we have very much enjoyed our partnership with the previous Radley team, we are very excited to learn how Gordon Brothers plan to take the brand to the next stage.”