Portfolio
Nature of Business
Défimode is a French clothing retailer that focuses on providing affordable, high quality products for the whole family.
Founded by twin brothers Dominique and Bernard Montel in 1981, Défimode operates stores based on a concept size of 800m², situated in retail estates around medium sized towns. A strategy of promoting shopping centres in partnership with shoe, toy and homeware brands has helped Défimode’s rapid growth over recent years.
Investment Overview
In January 2006, 3i invested €19m in Défimode, to accelerate its store network expansion and structure the company. We played a key role in structuring the company’s supply chain and finance using our sector experience in retail and fast-growing businesses. Within 2 years, the number of stores grew from 125 to 200 and the profitability increased by 50%. In 2008, after a successful partnership, we realised our investment. Vivarte bought the Défimode business and at the same time Klépierre acquired the real estate network of shops.
