Malta’s leading retail company, Hudson Holdings Limited, has successfully concluded negotiations and entered into a Master Framework and Shareholders’ Agreement (MSA) with Frasers Group, an international leader in the retail sector.
The MSA formalises and supersedes the terms of the previously announced non-binding letter of intent dated 10th October 2023.
Through this agreement, but after and subject to the completion of certain conditions precedent, Frasers Group will acquire a minority shareholding in HHL. Over time, the MSA caters for the possibility for Frasers Group to increase its shareholding within the company.
Hudson believes that being part of a significantly larger and more diverse group will offer more significant opportunities to Hudson, ensuring the Hudson Group is stronger than ever before.
In light of this development, Chris Muscat, Hudson Group CEO said: “We are thrilled to announce that, subject to certain conditions being met, Frasers Group has agreed to join forces with Hudson on our journey. This investment will enable us to accelerate our growth in Southern Europe and Africa, regions that are also key to Frasers Group’s expansion strategy. With our extensive experience in Africa, combined with Frasers’ exceptional retail expertise, strong brand portfolio, and focus on innovation and efficiency, Hudson will be well-positioned to expand its existing business and unlock new opportunities.”
ABOUT FRASER GROUP
Frasers Group plc is a leading global retail group, known for its portfolio of popular brands across the Sport, Premium, and Luxury sectors. Originally founded as Sports Direct in Maidenhead, United Kingdom, in 1982 by Mike Ashley, the group rebranded to Frasers Group in 2019 to reflect its broader range of businesses beyond sportswear. The Group owns and operates several well-known retail brands, including Sports Direct, FRASERS, Flannels and many others.
Frasers Group’s focus on innovation, efficiency, and broad market coverage makes it a significant player in the global retail sector. With operations across UK, Europe and beyond, Frasers Group aims to grow its influence in new markets, including Southern Europe and Africa.
Frasers Group reported an Adjusted Profit Before Tax of £544.8M – over €600 million – for the financial year ending April 30, 2024.
ABOUT HUDSON GROUP
Hudson Holdings is a retailer, distributor and service provider mainly involved in the sport and fashion wear sectors. Hudson represents NIKE, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Kiabi, Mango, Armani Exchange, Columbia, Converse, Crocs, , Urban Jungle and Urban Bratz, Timberland, amongst other brands. For a full list of the brands represented by Hudson visit: www.hudson.com.mt/brands.
The Group’s head office is located in Burmarrad, Malta with supporting offices in Italy, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria and Cyprus.
Though Hudson Holdings was founded in 2006, the Group’s roots reach as far back as 1987 when the first pair of NIKE was sold in Malta. In total, Hudson currently manages close to 90 stores spread across Africa and Southern Europe. It also holds a strong distribution network of Sport and Fashion Brands, particularly NIKE, in over 30 territories in Africa. Over the years, the company has expanded extensively and currently boasts a staff complement of over 1,000 employees, originating from over 50 nations.
Hudson distributes the brands it represents through a state-of-the-art distribution centre in the southern tip of Malta, strategically located close to the country’s airport and freeport.
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