China’s Ruyi Emerges as Leading Bidder for Bally

Jan 10, 2018Updated May 30, 20251 min read

Chinese textile producer Shandong Ruyi Group is emerging as leading bidder for Swiss luxury brand Bally International.

In advanced negotiations with Bally’s owner, JAB Holding, the group has been discussing a price of about US$700 million, insiders say.

Ruyi has pulled ahead of other suitors including Club Med owner Fosun International and Chinese apparel maker Fujian Septwolves Industry, and another buyer may yet emerge.

Ruyi agreed in November to buy a controlling stake in Trinity, the owner of British bespoke suit-maker Gieves & Hawkes, for HK$2.22 billion (U$284 million). The previous month, it said it would buy the owner of material company Lycra. In 2016, it acquired SMCP, whose fashion brands include Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, and agreed to buy British trench-coat maker Aquascutum last year.

Founded in Switzerland in 1851, Bally was previously owned by US buyout firm TPG, which agreed to sell the firm to JAB in 2008.

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Mei Ling Tan

Contributor · RetailNews.asia

Mei Ling Tan is the Editor of Retail News Asia, where she leads the editorial team in delivering in-depth coverage of Asia’s dynamic retail landscape. With over a decade of experience in business journalism, Mei Ling is known for her sharp analysis, deep industry insights, and commitment to uncovering the stories behind Asia’s most innovative retail brands. Before joining Retail News Asia, Mei Ling held senior reporting roles at regional business publications, covering everything from consumer trends to digital transformation in retail. A graduate of the National University of Singapore with a degree in Communications and New Media, she combines journalistic integrity with a strong understanding of evolving market forces. Outside the newsroom, Mei Ling is a frequent speaker at industry panels and a mentor for young journalists.

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