HVEG Fashion Group and RNF Group join forces

RNF Group, best known for its internationally recognised fashion brand Mexx, is getting a new owner. The transaction, which is being handled by M&A consultant Marktlink, is pending approval from the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM). After the transaction, RNF founders Ferry Helmer and Ron Janssen will continue as shareholders and part of the management team.

RNF Group is a prominent international player in the footwear and clothing industry. The company’s strength lies in its ability to deliver distinctive designs and brands, responding efficiently to ever-changing market dynamics and fashion trends. In addition to Mexx, the company is known for its own brands Shabbies and Fred de la Bretoniere and RNF holds various licences, including brands such as Umbro and Pantofola d’Oro.

In 2017, RNF Group acquired the global rights to Mexx International. Mexx, founded in 1986, is a contemporary fashion brand with urban roots. Its collection includes clothing, shoes, accessories, home decor, bags, fragrances, and underwear for men, women, and children. In 2023, RNF Group reported a turnover of approximately 125 million euros.

HVEG Fashion Group is made up of several renowned Dutch and German fashion and accessories companies. The group designs, develops, and manufactures private label fashion for women, men, children and babies, and accessories on behalf of its customers. It also manages several brands, such as MAGIC Body Fashion, Sassa, Bamboo Basics, and Brams Paris. HVEG’s mission is to fully serve its customers by developing affordable fashion in a more sustainable way. After the transfer, the group’s combined revenue in 2024 will be around 285 million euros and it will employ circa 530 people. The revenue does not include revenue from the company’s Mexx licences.

Mike van Snek, CEO and co-owner of HVEG: “This combination is another step in HVEG’s growth strategy and our ambition to create a one-stop shop for a growing international customer base. RNF is known as a leading player in the European footwear market, and the Mexx brand enjoys worldwide name recognition. The products, brands, and licences that RNF offers complement those of HVEG perfectly, while both companies serve similar markets in Western and Eastern Europe. This joining of forces will significantly strengthen our proposition to customers. We also see plenty of opportunities to further develop the Mexx brand in the coming years.”

Vincent Pastoor, partner at Marktlink: “We are proud to have contributed to this combination of two strong, complementary clothing companies that operate outside the turbulent fashion segment. RNF, Mexx, and HVEG do not have their own shops and supply their products to both online and offline value retail chains, as well as major supermarket and drugstore chains. The transaction, which is awaiting approval from Dutch consumer authority ACM, took place behind closed doors, without active market approach. From our network, we quickly spotted the intended buyer, which proved to be the right partner early in the process.”