BDB Pitmans advises Hi-Tech Apparel on acquisition of Unmade
Hollie Gallagher Partner
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Law firm BDB Pitmans has acted for Hi-Tech Apparel on its acquisition of UK software company Unmade.
The acquisition will capitalise on clothing brands’ appetite for on-demand and custom clothing.
Hi-Tech Apparel is a global leader in garment manufacturing, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand and operating 13 manufacturing facilities with over 14,000 team members around the world. It serves some of the world’s most recognisable brands and is recognised for outstanding levels of craftsmanship and service.
Unmade is a software company based in London that enables sportswear brands such as New Balance and Decathlon and fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren to offer customised clothing on demand. Founded in 2014, the award-winning tech company had raised a combined £15 million from Octopus Ventures, Felix Capital, MMC Ventures, Local Globe and Connect Ventures, and counts Decathlon as one of its shareholders.
The acquisition builds on a two-year partnership between Unmade and Hi-Tech during which they have successfully delivered custom apparel to teams from amateur clubs to professional athletes. It will combine Hi-Tech’s manufacturing and logistics expertise with Unmade’s technologies to create a market-leading solution for brands and retailers looking for a better approach to teamwear and customisation.
Decathlon, the world’s largest sportswear retailer, will remain a shareholder following the deal, with Unmade retaining the autonomy to work with other brands and manufacturers.
The BDB Pitmans team was led by corporate partner Hollie Gallagher, supported by corporate associate Ross Fletcher.
Hollie Gallagher said:
‘We are thrilled to have worked alongside the impressive teams at Hi-Tech Apparel and Unmade on this significant acquisition. Both are truly remarkable businesses that together will continue to shape the clothing and retail markets.
‘BDB Pitmans is well-placed to advise ambitious businesses irrespective of where they are located wishing to make acquisitions in the UK and to continue to support them and their UK operations.’
John Laycock of Hi-Tech Apparel said:
‘Unmade perfectly aligns with Hi-Tech Apparel’s mission to build the digital infrastructure needed to achieve manufacturing distribution across multiple geographies in a demand-driven industry. We have worked closely with the hugely talented Unmade team for several years and believe in their ability to build on what is already industry-leading software to give our customers the responsiveness they demand.
‘I would like to extend our thanks to Hollie and her terrific team at BDB Pitmans. Their support has been superb throughout this deal.’
