Multi-channel retailer, Bravissimo, has been acquired by lingerie and swimwear manufacturer Wacoal Europe.
Wacoal owns the brands Wacoal, Freya, Fantasie, Elomi and Goddess and Bravissimo has been selling Freya, Fantasie and Elomi for many years.
Bravissimo has been owned by Sarah Tremellen and her husband since she founded the business from her living room in 1995. Sarah set up the company following her own frustrating attempts to find larger cup sized bras. Bravissimo sells lingerie and swimwear in D cup and above and is dedicated to inspiring its customers to feel amazing.
Leanne Cahill took over as CEO in 2020 when Sarah Tremellen became Chair. Since then, Cahill has focused on improving profitability whilst maintaining the amazing customer experience Bravissimo is known for. Results in 2023 show underlying EBITDA more than doubled against the previous year.
Under Wacoal Europe’s ownership Bravissimo will continue to operate as a separate company and Leanne Cahill will remain as CEO. The business will continue to be run from its office and warehouse in Leamington Spa and all UK shops will remain open.
“I am excited to be leading Bravissimo as it becomes part of the Wacoal group,” said Cahill. “I will be working closely with the team at Wacoal to maximise the growth opportunities that our partnership will bring whilst maintaining Bravissimo’s heritage and the unique experience we offer our customers.”
Tremellen said: “I have loved creating and growing Bravissimo. It has been an absolute privilege bringing a range of bigger cup size lingerie and swimwear to so many wonderful women. Bravissimo has sold Wacoal’s brands since the very first day the business started in my living room and both companies have been instrumental in improving the range of bigger cup sizes in the UK over the last 30 years. I wish the teams at Wacoal and Bravissimo every success for the future.”
CEO of Wacoal Europe, Geoff Embley, said: “We have been presented with a unique opportunity to join forces with a business that shares our core values and unwavering commitment to delivering perfectly fitting lingerie and swimwear. Since the early 1990s, our businesses have evolved side by side, driven by a shared passion for quality and customer satisfaction. This partnership strengthens our collective vision, creating a powerful platform to expand on our mutual mission.”
We look forward to continuing to work with our teams and suppliers to deliver fantastic choice and experience for our customers, always, everywhere!
