Global law firm Freshfields is advising international private equity firm Cinven on its agreement to sell Kurt Geiger, a global footwear, handbag and accessories brand, to Steve Madden (Nasdaq: SHOO), a leading designer and marketer of fashion footwear, accessories and apparel.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Kurt Geiger is a global footwear, handbag and accessories brand headquartered in London, with a broad product portfolio across the brands Kurt Geiger London, KG Kurt Geiger and Carvela. The company has stores in the UK and US and also operates in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Kurt Geiger has a wholesale presence in leading luxury US department stores, concession arrangements in luxury department stores in the UK and a strong e-commerce offering through its own and third-party partner websites.
The transatlantic Freshfields team is being led by private capital partner Victoria Sigeti and senior associate Angus Scott, alongside associates Nick Surgey, Fletcher Boswell and Alison Li. Advice on US corporate matters is being provided by Michael Levitt. Advice on financing is being provided by partners Christopher Davis and Denise Ryan. Partners May Smith and Joe Soltis are advising on tax matters, and partners Martin McElwee and Jenn Mellott and senior associate Aaron Green are advising on antitrust matters. Partners David Mendel and Heather Brookfield are advising on employment matters.
This latest transaction carries on Freshfields’ long-standing relationship with Cinven, having recently advised Cinven on its funds’ investments in Grant Thornton UK, Finaxy, Vitamin Well, idealista and Fressnapf, and on the sale of a majority stake in Partner in Petfood.
