Woolworths Holdings Limited (“WHL”) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Country Road Group had entered into an agreement to acquire Politix, a market-leading retailer in Australian designer menswear. Politix has 75 stores, including 31 concessions across Australia and FY2016 sales of A$56 million. The agreement is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions precedent normal for a transaction of this nature. The proposed acquisition will be funded through internal resources and is expected to be immediately EPS accretive.

With a 40-year heritage, Politix is an iconic Australian men’s fashion brand with a distinctly modern and detailed DNA, which appeals to a broad base of fashion-conscious men aged 18 to 35.  Former Liverpool FC and Socceroo star, Harry Kewell continues to be the brand’s key ambassador, in a long-standing association that stems back to 2008.

The acquisition is consistent with WHL’s southern hemisphere strategy of building a strong and diversified portfolio of iconic brands. Politix will add to WHL’s existing Australian stable that already includes David Jones, Country Road, Witchery, Trenery and Mimco.

WHL’s Chief Executive Officer Ian Moir said: “The acquisition of Politix is a logical acquisition that will deliver value for WHL’s shareholders. Politix will extend WHL’s menswear offering in Australia and in time we expect to roll out the brand in David Jones and into New Zealand.

“We are delighted to welcome the Politix team to our business. Politix CEO, Peter Sitch and his team have done a fantastic job over the past 10 years growing the company to become the success story it is today and we look forward to Peter and his management team driving the next phase of the brand’s growth.”

Peter Sitch said, “This is a tremendous result for our people and our customers.  WHL is a world class retailer and will provide the best possible platform for further domestic growth and future international expansion of our brand.”

 

Further information

Rothschild acted as exclusive financial adviser and Gilbert + Tobin acted as legal adviser.

 

    Investor contacts:

 

   Ralph Buddle
  Director: Strategy and Business Development
  T: +27 21 407 3250
  M: +27 83 412 4923
 

Media Contacts:

 

For South African media enquiries contact:
WHL Press Office
+27 82 782 3856
pressoffice@woolworths.co.za


For Australian media enquiries contact:

Angus Urquhart

Group Corporate Communications Manager, David Jones & Country Road Group

+61 437 518 713