Sergent Major ultimates the acquisition of competitor Du Pareil au Même

Sergent Major brand has announced that it is finalising the acquisition of its long time competitor, the children's fashion chain Du Pareil au Même (DPAM).

According to 'Les Echos', children's clothing retailer Du Pareil au Même (DPAM) will be acquired by its competitor Sergent Major. The latter has confirmed the news, saying that "these are exclusive negotiations for a merger between the two companies."

Sergent Major, owned by funds Siparex and EDRIP, will inject about 50 million euros in DPAM.

However, the transaction is subject to the decision of the competition authorities, as if carried out, it will result in a merged company with a turnover of over 400 million euros and more than a thousand stores in twenty countries.

Founded in 1987 by Olivier Zemmour, Sergent Major’s turnover came in at 215 million euros in 2014, generating an operating profit of 20 million euros.

Meanwhile, DPAM sank in debts of over 50 million, after starting a conciliation procedure with the French Court of Commerce last summer.

Its owner, Olivier Halley, has invested 70 million euros in the company since acquired from the Petite et Petons.