Burberry has entered into an agreement to acquire a business from longstanding Italian supplier, Pattern SpA, as the London-based luxury brand invests in its supply chain operations.
For almost two decades, Burberry has partnered with Pattern to produce luxury ready-to-wear including quilts and downs at the Italian company’s product development site in Turin, Italy. With this investment, Burberry will secure capacity, build technical outerwear capability and further embed sustainability into its value chain.
Both Burberry and Pattern share a commitment to sustainability. All of the electricity Pattern uses at its sites is from renewable sources, and the company is on track to achieve carbon neutrality at its Turin site this year.
Burberry added that the acquisition will complement its historic manufacturing centres in Yorkshire, where it will continue to weave gabardine and make the British luxury brand’s iconic heritage trench coat, and invest in its operations. It follows the successful integration of Burberry’s leather goods hub in Florence, Italy.
Approximately 70 of Pattern’s employees in Turin will join Burberry on completion of the acquisition, expected later this year. Pattern will continue to operate the parts of the business not included in the transaction.
Jonathan Akeroyd, CEO, said: “This strategic investment is an important next step in bringing our outerwear category to full potential. It will enhance our capabilities, building on our strong foundations in the UK, and provide greater control over the quality, delivery and sustainability of our products. It’s an exciting development and I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues on board.”
Burberry’s newly acquired operations will remain at the current site in Turin, with the acquisition including equipment and inventory. Burberry acquired the company for €21m euros, subject to closing conditions and standard adjustments, in order to guarantee production capacity, as well as build technical outerwear capability.
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