Press Release

Law firm Shoosmiths has advised the owners of lingerie retailer Bravissimo on its sale to fellow lingerie and swimwear manufacturer, Wacoal Europe.

A multi-disciplinary team of experts from the firm was led by corporate partner Sanjeev Sharma alongside Claire Checketts, supported by legal director Ami Bhatt, associate Nathan Turley and trainee solicitors Jasmie Chana and Jake Bowdler. Tax advice was provided by legal director Sarah Buxton, principal associate Caroline Airey and associate Manpreet Shoker, alongside incentives support from partner Dan Sharman and senior associate Emma Garthwaite. Employment advice was provided by principal associate Michelle Morgan and senior associate Amy Frost. 

Bravissimo has been owned by Sarah Tremellen and her husband Mike since she founded the business in 1995. Wacoal Europe owns the brands Wacoal, Freya, Fantasie, Elomi and Goddess. Bravissimo will continue to be run from its office and warehouse in Leamington Spa and all 26 UK shops will remain open. The business also has one shop in the US.

Founder of Bravissimo, Sarah Tremellen said: "Bravissimo has sold Wacoal’s brands since the very first day the business started in my living room and both companies have been instrumental in improving the range of bigger cup sizes in the UK over the last 30 years. I wish the teams at Wacoal and Bravissimo every success for the future. I am incredibly grateful for the support and commitment of Shoosmiths who, since their appointment, have been fantastic and have supported us every step of the way. Sanj and his team really are experts."

Sanjeev Sharma, partner at Shoosmiths, commented: "It has been a privilege to act on the sale of Bravissimo to Wacoal. This transaction marks a significant milestone for Bravissimo, and we are delighted to have played a role in facilitating this successful outcome. The collaboration and dedication of our teams, including M&A, tax, incentives and employment, alongside the commitment of Sarah, Mike, Leanne and the rest of the Bravissimo team, has been instrumental in achieving this result."

Corporate is one of Shoosmiths’ key strategic pillars and the team has been named the most active law firm advising on M&A deals in the UK (according to Experian Market IQ reports). Across its corporate division, Shoosmiths’ team has bolstered its market leading credentials and reputation for excellence in the mid-market, advising on upwards of 400 transactions a year.