Australian Textiles & Fashion

Itself established in 2004 by DB Capital partner as part of a roll-up strategy in the apparel sector, the PAS group has acquired three major fashion businesses in an aggressive expansion.

The Group has purchased accessories wholesaler Capelle, Womenswear fashion retailer Review as well as Fiorelli.

Previously known as Pacific Apparel Solutions, The PAS Group claims to have become among Australia’s largest apparel wholesale businesses within just over two years.

Eric Morris, The PAS Group CEO said Capelle, Fiorelli and Review provided excellent opportunities for further growth and a base for The PAS Group to build strong synergies across its brand portfolio.

“We are very pleased to welcome three of Australia’s strongest home grown fashion businesses into The PAS Group,” he said. “They have established themselves as dominant brands in their respective markets which makes them an ideal fit with our business strategy.”

Morris said The PAS Group would work with current management to ensure Capelle, Fiorelli and Review continued to perform successfully while identifying opportunities for further growth. Capelle found Peter Collings will remain CEO with Leon Pendergast appointed managing director.

Review co-founder Peter Strain will continue as CEO, while co-founder Jayne Ellis remains in her role as head of design and merchandise. Each founder has retained a substantial minority shareholding.

“Our growth plan involves acquiring businesses that have established themselves as strong performers in the Australian market, work with management to identify how we can ensure continued growth, and identify opportunities to leverage across the group,” he said.

“We see tremendous opportunities for Capelle to produce product potentially for brands within The PAS group stable.”

The PAS Group companies include Yarra Trail, Breakaway, Designworks and Hopkins Group, with labels including Yarra Trail, Bureau, Breakaway, Black Pepper, Yvonne Black, Equus, Marco Polo, Capital M, Sirocco, Plenty, Chino Kids, World Industries and Anger Management.

Group brands are available at Myer, David Jones and more than 1800 retail outlets across Australia.

Morris said The PAS Group was continuing to identify possible opportunities for further acquisition in the Australia market.

“As one of the largest apparel wholesale business in Australia with a strong business profile we are attracting a lot of interest in the industry,” he said.

“We will continue to talk to suitable businesses as we seek to identify opportunities for growth.”

Capelle specialises in handbags, belts, footwear, luggage and accessories. Founded by Peter and Kay Collings and based in Melbourne, the business supplies product under the Capelle and Annapelle brands as well as licensed product for JAG, Diana Ferrari, Blazer and Fiorelli.

Melbourne based Review operates 13 retail stores and 14 concession outlets in leading Myer stores around Australia.

Fiorelli specialises in accessories including handbags, shoes, watches and eyewear available in more than 500 retail outlets across the country.