HONG KONG and MUNICH—Mondottica International Group and Ferdinand Menrad Group announced on Nov. 21 an investment by Menrad in Mondottica, leading to “a minority but substantial shareholding of Mondottica’s shares,” the companies said. According to Mondottica’s founder and CEO, Michael Jardine, “This is the culmination of nearly four years in partnership with Menrad with our Mondottica Germany distribution joint venture. We have worked closely with the Menrad team in German speaking markets and see great synergies for future growth when we work together in other parts of the world.” Jardine noted, “Presently there are a number of markets in the world where Menrad have a presence and Mondottica lacks feet on the ground. This will be a great opportunity for next steps.”

The brothers Eberhard and Hermann Mueller-Menrad stated, “The decision to invest in the Mondottica International Group is based on a successful partnership in the Mondottica Germany joint venture and the mutual trust that has been built over the years between our two companies. We strongly believe that this partnership will also work beyond the German speaking markets. Mondottica has highly attractive licensed brands and Menrad has a strong worldwide distribution network, as well as a proven Menrad owned manufacturing base in China for more than 20 years.”

Mondottica International Group now has offices and operations in Hong Kong, London, Paris, Oyonnax, Molinges, Tokyo, Barcelona, Delhi, Moscow, New York and Sydney with a distribution reach that spans all continents. The group holds licenses for a wide range of lifestyle and fashion brands, including Anna Sui, Cath Kidston, Christian Lacroix, Ducati, Hackett, Joules, Karen Millen, Le Coq Sportif, Maje, Marimekko, Pepe Jeans, Sandro, Ted Baker (worldwide except U.S. and Canada) and United Colors of Benetton. Mondottica also manages its proprietary brands including Cogan, Spine and Zoobug.

Family-owned and managed for four generations, Ferdinand Menrad Group was founded in 1896 and today employs 750 people in 10 countries. Menrad has operated its own frame manufacturing operation in Jieyang, China for over 20 years. With its house brands Menrad and Blueberry and licensed brands like Jaguar, Davidoff, Morgan and Joop!, Menrad sells on all continents to the upper end of the market.