Property and retail group Kiltane has strengthened its portfolio of high-end clothing outlets after acquiring significant parts of the Ness Clothing business and safeguarding more than 35 jobs.
Edinburgh-based Kiltane has completed the purchase of four Ness outlets – in Keswick, York and two in Edinburgh – after the well-known clothing retailer went into administration late last year.
In addition, Kiltane, which employs 75 staff at its stores in Edinburgh, has acquired the wholesale and e-commerce divisions of Ness.
The undisclosed investment, which includes the Ness stores in Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket and the Royal Mile, reinforces Kiltane’s market-leading position as a specialist in luxury cashmere, fine woollens and Scottish Tweed, while enhancing its geographical reach in the UK and internationally.
Kiltane managing director, Mark Keane, said: “This is an exciting development for Kiltane. The addition of Ness to our existing stores builds considerably on our business infrastructure and capabilities, both in retail outlets in prime locations and online.
“It also safeguards the jobs and skillsets of a very experienced and talented retail team while consolidating our position for future growth. We’re very confident that the deal will deliver major value to the group in the years ahead because the Ness brand offers a strong fit for us and complements the existing brands and concessions that we work with.”
Lynne Dickson, who joins Kiltane from Ness where she worked for four years and was involved in launching and developing its online channel, said: “We are so pleased that Kiltane has secured the purchase of major parts of the Ness brand, which has a loyal following and is loved around the world.
“The team involved in Ness are passionate about the brand and with still lots to achieve, the Kiltane deal creates an even bigger opportunity with very exciting times ahead for the company. We now look forward to becoming part of the Kiltane team and helping to further grow a strong business, adding new skills and expertise in ecommerce and wholesale.”
Joint administrators of Ness (Clothing) Limited are James Bernard Stephen and William Matthew Humphries Tait, of accountancy firm BDO LLP.
James Stephen said: “Ness Clothing is a unique and popular fashion brand with a dedicated customer base across Scotland and England. We are delighted to have secured the sale of the company’s four stores, preserving 35 jobs.”
Kiltane is a privately-owned group of companies with expertise in commercial, residential and retail property developments and investments. Among other names under Kiltane’s retail division are House of Edinburgh, Highland House and Harris Tweed Hebrides.
