Equity firm acquires Frette

-- Home Textiles Today, 12/1/2005 11:57:00 AM

MILAN, Italy -- Luxury linens wholesaler and retailer Frette has been acquired from Fin.Part Group by Coraline, a subsidiary of San Francisco private equity firm JH Partners.

The transaction, whose terms were not disclosed, follows a December 2004 lease and licensing agreement between Coraline and Frette. Today’s transaction allows Coraline to develop Frette’s business and distribution and gives it exclusive rights to Frette’s trademark.The agreement also contains a provision that would allow Coraline to acquire the Frette trademark.

JH Partners other consumer brand investments include Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Bare Escentuals, Performance Bicycle Shop, Bell Helmets, and Design Within Reach.