M&AConsumerRUMOURED
Fast Retailing, Uniqlo's Parent Company, Eyes Inditex
Acquirer
Fast Retailing
Target
Inditex
Tadashi Yanai, Japan's wealthiest individual and head of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, is reportedly interested in Inditex. Fast Retailing concluded its last fiscal year with a record profit of €3 billion and is growing faster than the Spanish fashion giant.
✦ Meridian Analysis
Fast Retailing, the Japanese parent of Uniqlo, is reported to be gauging a bid for Spanish fashion group Inditex, although no formal mandate or signed term sheet has been disclosed. The interest comes from Tadashi Yanai, who has repeatedly said his ambition is to overtake Inditex, and reflects Fast Retailing’s record‑year performance – €3 billion of net profit on €22.4 billion of revenue, a 25 % profit rise and 17 % sales growth. No lender or financing package has been identified, and the parties have not confirmed any advisory or financing arrangements.
Fast Retailing’s faster growth trajectory contrasts with Inditex’s more modest recent performance.
Deal professionals should watch for any indication of a valuation range, the composition of a financing package and the identity of advisers, all of which remain undisclosed.
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