MBS Intelligence
When Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the 2025 Autumn Budget, the headlines were dominated by higher taxes, a mansion-tax pledge and measures to relieve the pressure on public services. But tucked
Earlier this month, the world was introduced to the latest in a long list of celebrity beauty brands: DUA. As the name suggests, this skincare line has been brought to
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Earlier in the summer, MBS and Active Partners hosted an evening that brought together some of the UK’s most thoughtful founders, operators and investors from
When Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the 2025 Autumn Budget, the headlines were dominated by higher taxes, a mansion-tax pledge and measures to relieve the pressure
It all started in the early 20th century, when America fell head over wheels for the automobile. Beat generation writers like Jack Kerouac and Neal
We here at MBS have had the privilege of placing exceptional leaders and, indeed, Communications leaders into some of the most innovative and high-growth businesses
The MBS Group is delighted to present in-depth research into diversity in the hospitality, travel, leisure and retail sectors, published as part of WiHTL &
Over the past two decades, as the awareness around sustainability has increased, its place in businesses has also evolved. Historically, few companies had organisational structures
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On Tuesday, at the Hilton Park Lane in central London, around 650 members of the HTL and retail sectors gathered to discuss the topic of
The MBS Group is delighted to present in-depth research into diversity in the hospitality, travel, leisure and retail sectors, published as part of WiHTL &
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MBS News
Topshop returns to Australia . The British retailer is returning to the Australian market via a partnership with Myer department stores nationwide and online. The brand, which exited in 2020, will relaunch in February 2026 across Myer’s 56 stores.
Aldi plans five UK openings in a day. Aldi is rushing to open five new UK stores in 24 hours before Christmas, creating 200 jobs. Locations include London, Northallerton, Pershore, and Bristol. This reflects their ambition to grow to 1,500 stores.
Shiseido sees slowdown. Shiseido has reported a c.40% drop in earnings for 2023 after being impacted by China’s recovery post-Covid. Operating profits dropped from ¥46.5bn to ¥28.1bn. It said Japan’s decision to release treated radioactive water into the ocean had impacted sales.
L’Oréal invests in To Summer. The French beauty giant has continued to invest in the Chinese market, after making a minority investment in the high-end Chinese perfume house To Summer. By the end of 2024, the Chinese beauty market is expected to reach €49bn.
American Eagle and Russell Athletic launch a collaboration . The brands have launched a sport-inspired collection. It features premium fleece and vintage fits, using Russell’s archive for a collegiate look. The partnership leverages both brands’ American heritage and focus on youth sports culture.
Chanel opens festive Covent Garden pop-up . The fashion house has opened an immersive, constellation-themed festive light installation in London’s Covent Garden North Piazza, celebrating its local flagship. The free pop-up, features an illuminated Nº5 bottle and live music, and runs until 28 Dec.
Authentic Brands Group expands on TikTok. The group is partnering with Pattern to boost ecommerce growth, starting with TikTok Shop. Pattern will manage online operations for brands like Reebok and Champion to increase sales and protection across global marketplaces.
Club L London sees record growth . The online retailer’s turnover rose 48% to £65.9m, with profit before tax hitting £14m, up from £3.1m. Growth was driven by strong international sales (US up 90%, Middle East up 417%) and operational improvements, including Lavish Alice acquisition.
Consello invests in CleanBoss . PE firm Consello Capital has invested in CleanBoss, a non-toxic cleaning product company co-founded by Joy Mangano (Miracle Mop) and Pitbull. Consello plans to expand retail distribution and grow the business, valuing its safe, effective products.
CVC seeks sale of FineToday . CVC Capital Partners is seeking a buyer for Japanese personal-care firm FineToday (Tsubaki shampoo), after shelving its Tokyo IPO due to low valuation. CVC seeks over $2bn for the company, which has been impacted by Japan-China geopolitical tensions.
Punch refinances and updates on summer trading. In a trading update for the 40 weeks to 18 May, Punch Pubs has refinanced and reported that EBITDA is ahead of the same period last year.
Brakspear profits better than pre-pandemic levels. For the year ending 25 December 2022, pub operator Brakspear saw profits and EBITDA ahead of pre-Covid levels. Underlying profit before tax recovered to £6.5m, compared to £5.8m in 2019.