January 30, 2023

Matchesfashion owner attracts £40m in equity to keep online retailer in shape

Matchesfashion

Investment raised

GBP 40M

Valuation

Sector

Region

🏆 Deal of the Week · KW 5/2023

Matchesfashion raised GBP 40 million in a Private Equity round led by Apax Partners; the post-money valuation was not disclosed. The deal was recognised as Deal of the Week for KW 5/2023. Apax Partners injected the capital to support the continued operation and development of the London-based luxury e-commerce retailer.

Matchesfashion — key deal facts

Company Matchesfashion
Founded 1987
Headquarters London, United Kingdom
Amount raised GBP 40M
Valuation Valuation Remains Undisclosed
Round Private Equity
Investors Apax Partners (https://www.apax.com/)
Sectors Fashion

Who invested in Matchesfashion?

The round was led solely by Apax Partners, a global private equity firm with a track record of backing consumer and technology businesses. The concentration of a single institutional investor signals a conviction bet on Matchesfashion's platform and brand equity within the competitive luxury retail segment. Apax Partners' involvement brought both capital and operational expertise to bear on the company's growth trajectory.

What does Matchesfashion do?

Matchesfashion is a London-headquartered global luxury retailer founded in 1987 by Tom and Ruth Chapman, originally as a boutique in Wimbledon Village. The company offers clothing, accessories, ready-to-wear, shoes, and bags across womenswear, menswear, and lifestyle categories, representing more than 400 established and emerging designers including Prada, Gucci, and Saint Laurent. Matchesfashion launched its online retail platform in 2007, evolving into an omni-channel business serving an international customer base. The business subsequently entered administration in 2024 following its acquisition by Frasers Group.

Matchesfashion valuation & multiples

No existing multiples analysis was provided for this deal. Comparable luxury fashion and online retail transactions are typically assessed on EV/Sales and EV/EBITDA bases; benchmark ranges for the broader fashion sector are available on the Venionaire DealMatrix sector multiples pages. Investors and analysts seeking deal comparables for the UK luxury e-commerce space are encouraged to consult the Fashion sector multiples overview on DealMatrix.

Frequently asked questions

How much did Matchesfashion raise in its Private Equity round?

Matchesfashion raised GBP 40 million in a Private Equity round recognised in KW 5/2023.

What is Matchesfashion's valuation?

Matchesfashion's valuation was not disclosed in connection with this Private Equity round.

Who invested in Matchesfashion?

The round was led by Apax Partners, a global private equity firm.

When was Matchesfashion founded and where is it based?

Matchesfashion was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

Source: original announcement — read the full report.

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