The Carlyle Group became a majority shareholder in END.

Global investment firm The Carlyle Group today acquired a majority stake in END., the luxury streetwear retailer. The stake will be taken over by the two founders, Christiaan Ashworth and John Parker, who will retain a significant minority stake and their roles as co-CEO of the company, while the other minority shareholder, Index Ventures, will exit permanently. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Newcastle, END. currently collaborates with over 500 designers and brands, thanks to its omni-channel offer. At the end of March 2020, END. generated turnover of £170 million, of which 65% was generated outside the UK. Investment in SNE. It is part of Carlyle's long-term global strategy in the Consumer sector, where the company has invested a total of over 20 billion to date. Carlyle Europe Partners' recent divestments in the specific sector have affected Golden Goose and Supreme.

The Carlyle Group's projects will include the expansion of END., both inside and outside the UK, with a €6.4 billion investment while Asia Partners V will invest a $6.6 billion fund for strategic investments on the Asian continent. Massimiliano Caraffa, Managing Director and Head of Consumer&Retail at Carlyle Europe Partners advisory team, talked about the direction in which new investments will move:

«We are excited about the many growth opportunities facing the company, including the launch of women's clothing and further international expansion».