UK's Arcadia group to partner Tatas' Trent in Topshop fashion chain

The Arcadia Group, UK's largest privately owned clothing retailer, will partner Tata Group for the roll-out of its high-fashion apparel and accessory retail chain Topshop and Topman in India.
 
Arcadia Group, controlled by British billionaire Philip Green, was also in talks with realty major DLF for its India operation, but decided in favour of a franchise agreement with Tata Group's retail chain Trent, sources close to the development said.

Topshop and Topman, which caters exclusively to young women and men and a popular brand with Indian visitors to the UK, will compete with the likes of Esprit.

Arcadia Group owns several high-street clothing retailers, including Miss Selfridge, Burton, Evans, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis, besides Topshop and Topman.

The alliance with Topshop and Topman will mark Trent's debut in the premium clothing segment.

Since its US launch last year, Philip Green has been pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy for Topshop and Topman, with an India launch and a China roll-out later.

At present, Topshop operates a mix of company-owned and franchise stores in over 30 countries, including the UK, the US, Russia and Dubai.