Footwear-APR-MAY21-P05-12 News_Footwear_Jan10_p30 21/05/2021 09:52 Page 8
NEWS
Deichmann springs into Touchwood as Lendlease announce new signing
Lend Lease Retail Partnership (LLRP), a fund managed by Lendlease, has announced the signing of Europe’s largest footwear retailer, Deichmann, at Touchwood Solihull, following the German brand declaring expansion plans to support British high streets amid the ongoing pandemic.
The brand has traded for over a century, starting as a cobblers’ shop in
Essen-Borbeck, west Germany, in 1913. Since then, it has established a presence in 30 countries with over 4,000 stores, and has to date sold more than 180 million shoes from internationally recognised brands such as adidas, Nike, Skechers, and Hush Puppies.
Located opposite EE and Schuh on the Crescent Arcade, Deichmann will be launching the new 15,200 sq ft Touchwood store in late Spring, working towards the government’s roadmap announcement for non-essential re- openings. The unit will stock a complete array of footwear, from smart to casual, and covering men’s, women’s, and children’s lines.
Guy Thomas, Head of Retail at Lendlease, said: “Signing Deichmann is
hopefully the first of more positive news as we move through 2021; securing them in this market is testament to what Touchwood has to offer. It has been a challenging 12 months, but deals have continued within the centre apace as we look to ensure Touchwood maintains its appeal when retail starts to re- open, and customers return in due course.”
Andy Underwood, Director for Deichmann, said: "We're delighted to have
exchanged on Touchwood. Solihull is a great location, and we look forward to welcoming customers into our new store later this year. Our fantastic value- for-money footwear and accessories offer something for all the family. We're happy we can do our part to support British high streets and shopping centres in the current climate."
CBRE and BNP Paribas acted for Touchwood, and Barker Proudlove represented Deichmann.
LionRock Capital acquires majority stake in Clarks
On 15th March 2021 LionRock Capital confirmed the completion of its partnership with Clarks, as initially announced on 4th November 2020. LionRock Capital will acquire a majority stake in the business for an investment of £100 million.
The board announces the appointment of
Victor Herrero as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Giorgio Presca is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer to pursue other opportunities, and the Board expresses its best wishes to him for the future, and thanks Giorgio for his much-valued contribution to Clarks over the last two years. Victor brings with him a wealth of experience in the retail industry. He is the Chairman of Bossini, non-Executive Director of Viva China Holdings Limited and up to now a non-
Executive Director of Clarks. Victor was Chief Executive and Director of Guess? Inc. between 2015 and 2019 and prior to that, he spent more than 12 years at Inditex, the parent company of Zara, holding several senior executive roles, where most recently he was Head of Asia Pacific and Managing Director of China.
Daniel Tseung, Founder and Managing Director
of LionRock Capital, said: “We are extremely pleased to formalise our partnership with Clarks. Clarks is one of the world's most recognised consumer names and we look forward to working with the Clark family and Clarks’ leadership team to build on its tradition of providing customers around the world with top quality products and exceptional service.”
Mr. Li Ning, Non-Executive Chairman of
LionRock Capital, remarked: “I am thrilled that LionRock Capital is partnering with one of the UK’s most iconic brands during this momentous new phase for the business. We look forward to leveraging our network and experience to support Clarks through the next phase of development.”
Victor Herrero, incoming Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said: “I echo the Board in thanking Giorgio for his much-valued contribution to Clarks over the last two years. I am excited about leading Clarks to its next level and partnering with LionRock Capital and the Clark family to build a strong and sustainable future for this iconic and much-loved global brand.”
8 • FOOTWEAR TODAY
• APRIL/MAY 2021
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