Berghaus to open stores in China

Sep 3 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

OUTDOOR clothing company Berghaus is to open 200 stores in China as part of its expansion into Asia.

nebusiness.co.uk reported last month that the North East company planned to open 400 new stores in the Far East and yesterday it emerged that 200 of these will be in China.

The company has signed an exclusive licensee agreement with Chinese company Symphony Resources Ltd, a subsidiary of Symphony Holdings Ltd, which will see 200 stores developed, starting in autumn 2009.

Berghaus and Symphony Resources have signed an initial deal for six years and the announcement follows a 12-month search by Berghaus to find a suitable partner for China.

Symphony Resources Ltd is a well established operation and has experience of managing and licensing brands such as Speedo, Pony, Haggar and AEE, plus many more.

Richard Cotter, Berghaus brand president, said: “Symphony Resources Ltd is a fantastic licensee option for Berghaus as the company brings with it vast experience of managing and licensing major brands in the Chinese market. The team there has an extensive network throughout the main provinces, along with the production, marketing and wholesale expertise to deliver our vision in China. As Berghaus continues its development into one of the world’s top five outdoor brands, Asia will be a key territory.”

Allan Chan, Symphony Resources Ltd managing director, said: “Symphony Resources is very excited to have the opportunity to partner with Berghaus, a brand with tremendous heritage and innovation.”