CWF acquires Catimini

Children Worldwide Fashion (CWF), a French childrenswear specialist, has acquired Catimini, a brand that has long been a staple in the French market but has struggled in recent years. The acquisition, completed with the support of Catimini's founders, Paul and Monique Salmon, marks a bid to rejuvenate the label. Catimini, which was under the ID Kids umbrella since 2020, faced operational challenges and financial losses, despite generating €18 million in revenues in both 2021 and 2022. The terms of the deal, including the acquisition price, remain undisclosed.

The strategic move by CWF aims to integrate Catimini into its extensive portfolio, capitalizing on the brand's creative legacy and its significant market recognition. Paul Salmon expressed optimism in a statement, highlighting the shared values of know-how, high standards, and respect for the brand's legacy between Catimini and CWF. With this acquisition, Catimini will receive logistical and commercial support from CWF, leveraging the group's expertise in managing luxury and premium children's fashion brands.

CWF has traditionally built its business through managing high-profile luxury licenses and is now focusing on developing its in-house brand portfolio. By repositioning Catimini within the premium segment, CWF seeks to harness its core strengths, including its distinctive design language. The group plans to launch a new Catimini collection for spring/summer 2027, featuring a wide range of offerings, from clothing and accessories to footwear and gift items for babies. This collection will be positioned within CWF’s Kids around multibrand network, which operates 85 stores across 29 countries.

In the broader market context, CWF's acquisition of Catimini underscores the ongoing competition within the children's luxury sector. The integration of Catimini is anticipated to enhance CWF’s market standing and expand its reach in both domestic and international markets. CWF reported revenues of €210 million in 2024, with the French market contributing over a third of its sales.

Looking ahead, CWF is set to present the "new" Catimini at a dedicated catwalk show in Paris on March 11. This high-profile presentation, aligning with fashion week events, aims to reinforce Catimini’s revamped brand identity under CWF's management. As the company navigates this integration, the market will watch closely for how Catimini can reclaim its past market position while aligning with CWF's standards of premium quality and innovation.