Bluestar Alliance Acquires Scotch & Soda’s US Business
Scotch & Soda has a future and new leadership in the U.S.
New York-based brand management company Bluestar Alliance announced an affiliate acquisition of the Amsterdam-based denim brand’s U.S. wholesale and retail business assets. The acquisition by an affiliate of the Bluestar Alliance company allows for Scotch & Soda and its products to be sold across the U.S. in a fleet of retail stores.
More from Sourcing Journal
Analyst: Off Price Gets Last Laugh in Bed Bath, Tuesday Morning Meltdown
This Big-Box Brand Is Going After Bankrupt Bed Bath & Beyond's Customers
Less than two months ago, a separate affiliate of Bluestar Alliance acquired the bankrupt brand including its worldwide licensing and distribution rights.
Anthony Lucia has been named global president of Bluestar Alliance’s Scotch & Soda USA and Global Business Operation. Lucia brings over 25 years of expertise running both U.S. and global fashion brands including Hugo Boss, G-Star Raw and Escada. In his new role Lucia will streamline the transition across the retail footprint and global brand operations.
“Scotch & Soda is known across the globe for its ties to Amsterdam and fine craftsmanship of trendsetting product, and we want to introduce the brand to new consumers especially here in the U.S.,” said Ralph Gindi, Bluestar Alliance COO.
The brand is optimizing the business to enable further expansion and profitable growth, Bluestar stated. It plans to invest in marketing initiatives “that will drive brand awareness and also enable strong consumer engagement across the globe.”
Scotch & Soda filed for bankruptcy in the Netherlands in March, citing “severe cash flow issues” caused by the domino effect of the pandemic, war in Ukraine and inflation. It was owned by private equity investor Sun European Partners, an affiliate of Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sun Capital Partners, which acquired the clothing imprint in 2011. The bankruptcy didn’t affect the company’s business outside The Netherlands. It operated 252 stores when it filed for bankruptcy and is stocked in 7,000 retail doors.
Bluestar Alliance also owns Hurley, Bebe, Tahari, Nanette Lepore, Catherine Malandrino, Kensie, Justice, Limited Too and English Laundry.
