About French Connection Group

French Connection Group plc engages in the design, production, and distribution of branded fashion clothing for men and women. The company engages in the retailing and wholesaling of branded fashion clothing and accessories in approximately 30 countries around the world. The company principally operates in U.K., Europe, and North America. The company operates under four principal brands, the most significant of which is French Connection. Its other brands include the designer label, Nicole Farhi, a mail-order based ladies fashion range, TOAST, and a fashion basics range, Great Plains. French Connection: French Connection operates at the upper end of the middle market offering a fashion-forward of products to the customers aged 18-35. The company designs both men’s and women’s products from underwear to outerwear, casual wear to suits, denim, accessories and kidswear. The company has granted franchises and licences to retailers to operate French Connection branded retail stores in the U.K., Middle East, Asia, and Australia. As of January 31, 2005, the company’s total owned and operated stores were in 148 retail locations, and franchised and licensed stores in 105 retail locations. Department stores and multi-brand fashion stores also carry the company’s ranges, bought through its wholesale operations based in London, New York, Milan and Hong Kong. The company has granted franchises and licences to retailers to operate French Connection branded retail stores in the U.K., Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The company’s ‘fcuk’ branding has become synonymous with contemporary, cool fashion and has been extended into complimentary licensed products, including men’s and women’s toiletries, shoes, watches and eyewear. The company’s men’s and ladies’ toiletries licence in the U.K. with Boots has produced toiletries. Zirh Skin Nutrition has developed fcuk fragrances for the rest of the world. History French Connection Group plc was founded by Stephen Marks in 1969.