Last week Watches of Switzerland, britain’s biggest retailer, declared its intention to get listed on the London Stock Exchange.
As per Reuters “The IPO could value the company to up to 1 billion pounds ($1.31 billion), or between 12 and 15 times its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, according to a source familiar with the matter. “
In what is argualy the most challenging period for retailers – with brands moving a lot of their B2C business in house – it is interesting to read this news. Indeed watch retailers are facing very challenging times as reported on numerous occasions here on DE GRIFF. That said, Watches of Switzerland is not your average retailer and they are owned by a private equity firm (Apollo Global Management). Private Equity firms are in one business and with one focus only: making money.
To give you an idea of the size of the enterprise, the group is stated as being responsible for half of all Rolex watches sold in the UK last year. They also sell other big ticket names such as Omega, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and many more.
For the analysts amongst our readers, get all the details right here at Reuters.