UK : Speciality Fashion Group to open Austin Reed stores

March 4, 2008

Austin Reed is pleased to announce the signing of a Master Franchise Agreement with Kuwait based Speciality Fashion Group (SFG) a division of The Sultan Center, which currently operates 13 international retail concepts in the Gulf Region.

A minimum of 10 stores is planned across the Middle East over the next 5 years. Territories include the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Nick Hollingworth, Chief Executive of Austin Reed Group said,” We are delighted to be working alongside SFG, this new signing will expose us to key markets and opportunities in the Middle East and we look forward to a long and successful relationship.’

Established in 1900 by Mr Austin Reed in the City of London, the Austin Reed brand has long been recognised as the quality name in tailoring.

Austin Reed's international expansion began back in 1929 when Cunard selected Austin Reed to open a shop on the transatlantic liner the Aquitania, reflecting the extent to which the company had established itself as the UK's premier menswear retailer.

Austin Reed operates via strategic international partnerships in USA, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Columbia and India and has over 1,000 stockists. The brand continues to explore additional new opportunities across the globe.

Austin Reed Group PLC