Review, Replay, Clarks and Hush Puppies come together in fashion retail merger

Two fashion companies behind brands such as Black Pepper, Review, Clarks, Hush Puppies and Julius Marlow are set to merge, creating Australia’s third largest fashion-retail company in the process.

The PAS Group and Brand Collective merger will be operationally effective from 26 April 2022, with the newly combined company to take the latter’s name moving forward.

For the owner of both companies, Melbourne-based private investment firm LK Group, the merger is a consolidation of its two major fashion holdings - bringing them under the one banner.

According to Brand Collective, the merged entity will boast combined revenues of more than $600 million generated from its 26 brands and 15 character licences.

Founded in 2004, The PAS Group will bring along brands such as Replay and Yarra Trail, while Brand Collective will contribute big names in fashion such as Elwood, Mossimo, Volley and Superdry. The PAS Group also manages licensed products for entertainment icons including Bluey, Peter Rabbit and Disney.

Brand Collective CEO Eric Morris will head the merged group which will relocate to The PAS Group’s head office in Cremorne, Melbourne, consolidating both businesses under one roof.

“We are very excited to merge the two businesses, enabling the brands to continue to expand,” CEO Morris said.

“The breadth of our brands is amazing; from the powerhouse brands of Clarks, Hush Puppies, Superdry and most recently Replay, to the much-loved heritage brands Review, Black Pepper, Yarra Trail, Julius Marlow, Grosby and Volley.

“Shoes & Sox is the leading children’s footwear retailer in Australia as well dominating the children’s footwear category in Myer, while the Shoe Warehouse business will be expanding their retail network. We will be working hard to grow the business through both continued organic growth and complementary acquisitions.”

Post-merger, Brand Collective will have more than 3,000 employees and will be operating in more than 300 retail locations across Australia and New Zealand.

“With 2.5 million contactable customers, Brand Collective is well placed to compete in the post COVID-19 retail environment,” said Brand Collective, which is owned by Melbourne-based private investment firm LK Group.