Regent Takes Ownership of Petit Bateau

Petit Bateau has a new owner. Its previous owner, Groupe Rocher, has reached an agreement to sell the French children’s fashion brand to the U.S. investment fund Regent, based in California. The announcement culminates a buyer search process initiated at the beginning of the year.

As anticipated by the French newspaper Le Figaro, the sale project “is based on the ambition to breathe new growth dynamics into Petit Bateau, with the resources and expertise of Regent, a specialist in the relaunch of heritage houses.“

The operation, which has yet to pass the consultation process with employee representatives, is part of Groupe Rocher’s strategy to concentrate on its beauty and care division, with Yves Rocher as its main banner. “The objective is to ensure Petit Bateau the best conditions to continue its development in the long term,“ said Jean-David Schwartz, CEO of the group.

Regent was founded in 2013 and has been involved in the revival of brands such as Dim in France, Bally in Switzerland and La Senza in Canada. Its president, Michael Reinstein, has told the French newspaper that, in the case of Petit Bateau, the intention is to “honor the legacy” of the ensign, “preserving what makes it irreplaceable: Its artisanal traditions, its French spirit and the trust that families place in each garment.“

Petit Bateau has until now been controlled by Groupe Rocher.

“If we have the privilege of becoming the next owners, we will maintain that heritage for future generations,“ added Reinstein.

Founded in 1920, Petit Bateau has struggled in recent years in the context of a textile crisis. The company, which operates three production sites in Troyes (France) and Morocco, has implemented cost reductions and store closures to adjust its structure.

In 2024, the company recorded a turnover of €250 million, with growth of 3% globally and 7% in the French market. Petit Bateau currently employs 2,400 people, 1,500 of whom work in France.