Gordon Brothers has transformed and sold the global ORSAY brand, archives, and related trademarks and other intellectual property to a private investor from the Czech Republic operating under Orsay International.
 
The private investor will continue to invest in the omni-channel women’s fashion brand and grow ORSAY’s presence in Europe online, in stores and with existing franchisees.
 
“Our firm has the unique ability to acquire, value, lend to, invest in and reimagine brands to accelerate their transformation and support continued growth,” said Frank Morton, Chief Investment Officer at Gordon Brothers. “Under new ownership, ORSAY will continue to reach consumers throughout Europe and embark upon its next chapter of growth.”
 
Gordon Brothers acquired the brand earlier this year, allowing ORSAY to maintain its brand DNA and continuity while developing new apparel, footwear and accessories. Since the firm’s acquisition, Gordon Brothers streamlined operations and created a nimble team, restructured the brand, optimized the product offering, strengthened and expanded franchisees, and invested in marketing to grow ORSAY’s e-commerce channels.
 
“When we bought ORSAY’s brand, it was a traditional, vertically integrated structure with legacy systems and a large brick-and-mortar store footprint,” said Tobias Nanda, Head of Brands at Gordon Brothers. “In record time, we revitalized sourcing and design options, established new manufacturing resources, optimized IT and reorganized human capital, and built out a robust distribution network online that allowed the brand to continue.”
 
Gordon Brothers has been actively investing in, repositioning and growing some of the world’s most iconic brands since 2003. As owners of several brands, including Laura Ashley® and Nicole Miller, the firm prioritizes expanding licensees and franchisees to bolster their e-commerce presence and develop more strategic wholesale and retail relationships.