LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - Mike Ashley's Frasers Group
said on Wednesday it has increased its maximum exposure
to Hugo Boss to $937 million and reiterated its
support for the German fashion brand's strategy and management
team.
Frasers, which was formerly called Sports Direct and is on a
drive to move upmarket, said it now holds 4.9% of Hugo Boss
stock directly and a further 26% of stock indirectly via the
sale of derivatives known as put options.
The British sportswear and apparel retailer said its maximum
aggregate exposure in connection with its interests was about
900 million euros or 770 million pounds ($937 million).
Frasers first took a stake in Hugo Boss in 2020 and has
consistently stated its support for its management.
"This investment reflects Frasers Group's belief in the Hugo
Boss brand, strategy and management team. Frasers Group
continues to intend to be a supportive stakeholder and create
value in the interests of both Frasers Group's and Hugo Boss'
shareholders," Frasers said on Wednesday.
Hugo Boss is a supplier to the group's House of Fraser and
Flannels chains.
Shares in Frasers were flat at 0757 GMT, while shares in
Hugo Boss were down 0.5%.
Ashley stepped down as Frasers CEO last month. He remains an
executive director and owns 69% of the equity.
He was succeeded as CEO by Michael Murray, his son in law.
(1 British pound = 1.1653 euros)
($1 = 0.8216 pounds)
(Reporting by Paul Sandle and James Davey, Editing by Kate
Holton and Elaine Hardcastle)