Sun European Partners, LLP (“Sun European Partners”) today announces that one
of its affiliates has completed the sale of its investment in DBApparel (“DBA”), to HanesBrands Inc.
(“HBI”) for an enterprise value of €400m.
Headquartered in France, DBA is a market leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of
branded intimate apparel, including world-renowned brands such as DIM, Playtex, Wonderbra and
Shock Absorber.
HBI is a leading manufacturer and marketer of basic apparel, with some of the world’s strongest
brands, including Hanes and Champion, but also Playtex and Wonderbra in complementary
geographies to DBA.
Following its acquisition by an affiliate of Sun European Partners in 2006, DBA implemented a number
of operational improvements which have delivered increased market share, greater brand awareness
and overall improved financial performance. These measures, combined with the support provided by
Sun European Partners, have transformed DBA into a very resilient business.
Lionel de Posson, Vice President at Sun European Partners, said: “DBA is a perfect illustration of Sun
European Partners’ know-how and expertise. First, it shows our capacity to identify the companies
with a potential for recovery and secondly, our ability to implement the measures which will make it
successful and sustainable. With the combination of DBA and HBI resulting in a true global presence, I
am confident that this operation will ensure DBA’s continued development. This very successful deal
reinforces our determination to develop our present and future investments in France”.
This transaction is the seventh exit completed by affiliates of Sun European Partners this year, after
completing eight exits and two IPOs in 2013.
Contact:
Fergus Wheeler
FTI Consulting
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3727 1522