Jacques Vert to take control of William Baird after acceptance of offer

The way has been cleared for Jacques Vert to take control of William Baird after a revised offer was recommended by Baird's board.

Jacques Vert sees benefit in combining the womenswear operations of the two businesses, and will continue to attempt to sell Baird's active and casualwear businesses. The sale of Baird's Lowe Alpine business to Aspen for£13.5 million went through on Wednesday.

The deal values William Baird, whose womenswear brands include Planet and Windsmoor, at£17.8 million.

Jacques Vert chairman Bill Reid said: 'There is logic in a combination of the two companies, and shareholders should benefit from the synergies arising.'