FCUK hunts for brands on back of profit increase

Fashion group French Connection is interested in acquiring brands and considered making a move for Jaeger before its sale to Harold Tillman last week.

Group finance director Roy Naismith said French Connection had eyed up Jaeger, but it did not fit in well. 'It came across many people's desks, including mine, but we had difficulty seeing how we would add value and make a significant difference,' he said.

However, other brands may be considered. 'We would look at any where we think we'd have something to add. We haven't made a move yet,' he said.

No other brands are under consideration at present, he added.

On Wednesday, French Connection reported preliminary pre-tax profits up 30 per cent to£30.2 million on sales of£241 million. Like-for-like sales were up 14 per cent for the first five weeks of this year.

French Connection is seeking additional concessions for its lifestyle mail order business Toast after the success of an outlet at Selfridges on Oxford Street.