Menswear supplier BMB is poised to acquire all of the UK licences for Pierre Cardin, in a deal that will have implications for Debenhams and Moss Bros.

BMB has signed heads of terms for Worth Valley and is expecting to close the deal for an undisclosed amount, subject to due diligence.

BMB managing director Mark Cotter said he was “98 per cent sure” the deal would complete in the next two to three weeks.

The acquisition will bring together all the UK licences for the Pierre Cardin brand under one company, adding suits, overcoats, leather and denim to those Pierre Cardin licences acquired by BMB from Crowther in March.

Cotter said the deal with Worth Valley would not alter its existing relationship with Debenhams – where it operates its suitwear business – or Moss Bros, to whom it also supplies. The Pierre Cardin brand is sold in both retailers.

But the deal has fuelled speculation that Debenhams may be concerned that one of its key suppliers may play an influential role at its menswear rival Moss Bros.

“In our business, we have clear lines of distribution,” said Cotter. “We work hard at maintaining our relationship with Debenhams and my intention will be to continue the existing relationship.”

It is understood that BMB has a long period of exclusivity left in its contract with Debenhams.

Cotter said Worth Valley boss Roger Cooper is likely to stay on as a consultant for BMB.

Earlier this month, Ben Sherman said its retail distribution would switch to Debenhams after it decided to move its suit and formal shirts licence from supplier Berwin & Berwin to BMB.

Debenhams was unavailable for comment.

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