Hong Kong-based Sugi International Limited, a leading footwear trading company, has signed a two-year, worldwide license agreement with the Italian streetwear and sportswear company Franklin & Marshall Srl, committing to take over the brand by 2022.
Starting in s/s 2020, Sugi International Ltd. will directly manage the license for the development, production and distribution of Franklin & Marshall footwear, while for the production and distribution of the adult and children's apparel collections, it will sign agreements with highly-qualified partners.
The new entry will represent a strategic addition to Sugi International Ltd.'s sport/casual brand portfolio, positioned in the premium segment.
Massimo Sinigaglia, CEO of Sugi International Limited and majority shareholder, together with his brother Matteo, of Fashion Box SpA, whose flagship brand is Replay, commented about F&M’s acquisition and future developments.
Why did you start this project?
F&M is not only a benchmark of great quality and style, it also embodies a philosophy of authentic values, expressed for over 20 years in every single garment. The American college spirit, where respect, friendship, a love of sport and complicity between classmates are all fundamental rules for the well being of the “Group.” There is nothing vintage about it; indeed, it evokes principles that are more relevant than ever, and closer to the heart of today's consumer.
What are your aims about the future development of F&M?
The aim is to return generating a volume of business similar to its most successful years (2011-2012) when it registered €40 million reaching a prominent position in the athleisure and premium market thanks to the brand’s authenticity that made style and quality fundamental pillars of its identity.
How could this brand further develop and in which countries could it be distributed?
F&M is already appreciated internationally both for apparel–which is its core category–and for its brand extensions.
The footwear category that Sugi International Limited will manage directly had never been truly explored so far, apart from a few single temporary collaborations. We are aware we are endowed with the right know-how for developing this further and positioning it consistently. Already within this June 2019 edition of Pitti Uomo we will launch the first s/s 2020 footwear collection.
Undoubtedly most relevant markets for its development will be Italy, Spain, France, Germany, UK, Greece And Japan for both categories–footwear and apparel.
What companies will be partners in developing F&M’s apparel collection?
Our partner for kidswear will be Manifatture Daddato SpA, an outstanding player in the kids’ apparel segment. For apparel aimed at adult consumers an agreement will be finalized shortly.
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