Pepe Jeans takes on the U.S.

For now Pepe Jeans is silent about regaining control over its North-American market base. However, the British company whose shareholders inclue the Spanish investment fund Torreal (31%), its management team (30%) and, as of last year, L capital (12%) and Arta capital (16%), does confirm the information published by WWD.

Image: Pepe Jeans

Thus, Pepe jeans has acquired the right to use the trademark in the United States and Canada. Since 2000 the company Jean Design, under the direction of Ziad Jebara, had been using the trademark in this market. By reprising its overseas market, the management of Pepe Jeans hopes to bring about some significant growth beginning with the Fall-Winter 2012-2013 season.

The brand, which has 231 eponymous stores worldwide, 402 of its spaces in department stores, 4,530 in multi-brand stores and 45 franchises, is scheduled to open its first North American stores at around that time as well. For the time being, however, its strategy is not yet fully established. Pepe Jeans has yet to hire a CEO to spearhead its U.S. development.