Crombie, one of the oldest brands in the world, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum.
After surviving for more than 200 years, Aberdeen-based company ceased trading at the start of the pandemic.
In May 2020 Crombie suspended operations until further notice. Crombie 1805 has now acquired the business and all the trademarks of the company formerly known as J&J Crombie.
“Our aim is to inject a new energy into Crombie, raise the profile globally and broaden the perception of the brand.” says Gordon Ritchie, managing director of the new company, backed by private investors.
“We are open for business and interested in collaborations, partnerships and licensing agreements across all territories and categories.”
Most famous for the Crombie coat, over the course of two centuries the company has moved into ready-to-wear clothing for men and women, sold internationally.
Ritchie previously led the expansion of Crombie into new categories - rainwear, knitwear, leather goods, accessories and clothing collections for the first time.
“We look forward to creating the next chapter of the Crombie story, so it can continue to thrive for the next 200 years,” he added.
Brown Rudnick advised the acquiring team on the deal, with partner Steven James stating: “This deal is hugely significant, as it paves the way for a brand relaunch that will see Crombie expand its offering and enter new markets.”
A timeline – highlights from the Crombie story
- 1805 - Crombie founded in Aberdeen by John Crombie, who, believing his cloth to be of the finest quality, travels to London on horseback.
- 1850’s - Crombie receives awards from Queen Victoria and Napoleon III, moves to Grandholm Mills, which becomes the UK’S most famous wool mill.
- 1860’s - The Crombie introduces ready-made garments in receipt of contracts to make for the British Army and Royal Air Force which would run into the following century.
- 1920’s to 1950’s - King George VI, Winston Churchill and Cary Grant all notably wear Crombie.
- 1961 - John F Kennedy wears a Crombie coat at his inauguration, and subsequent Presidents would do, up to and including Barack Obama.
- 1964 - The Beatles arrive in America dressed in Crombie coats.
- 1960’s to 1990’s - Sixties modernists, Seventies suede-heads, Eighties two-tone rude boys - through the decades, successive generations of youths wear the brand.
- 1990 - production at the Grandholm Mill ceased, moving to other mills in Scotland and England
- 1995 - Crombie is awarded The Royal Warrant by Prince Charles.
- 2000 - Crombie opens a flagship store in Conduit Street, Mayfair.
- 2011 - Crombie launches in department stores in 35 countries. David Beckham, Russell Crowe, Leonardo Di Caprio and Daniel Craig are some of the famous names wearing Crombie.
- 2020 - Crombie ceases trading at the start of the pandemic
- 2022 - Crombie is acquired by the first new owners in over 40 years.
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