Coopers of Stortford has been acquired by Damartex Group

September 2013 — The Damartex Group, a French clothing distributor, best known in the UK for its Damart range of thermal underwear, has acquired Coopers of Stortford, the multi-channel retailer of practical products for the home, garden and leisure, for US$40 million.

Based in Bishop’s Stortford, Coopers of Stortford was founded in 1995 by husband and wife Neil and Kate Cooper. The company’s direct sales model and loyal customer base, coupled with its own-brand product line and affordable price points give it a competitive advantage over its nearest comparable high street retail chains. As part of a program of planned succession, an experienced management team was put in place well in advance of the sale. The team will focus on further expanding the business and preserving the originality of the Coopers of Stortford brand while capitalizing on the benefits of new ownership as part of the enlarged group.

Headquartered in Paris, Damartex Group is one of the leading European distributors of clothing and accessories for seniors. The company's distribution channels include catalogues, websites and stores, and its main markets are France, the UK and Belgium.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins Cavendish, based in the UK, advised the seller in this transaction. After a competitive process, the Damartex Group was selected as the preferred bidder, having been initially contacted at main board level by Oaklins' team in France.