Hellenic acquires Links of London

John Rimmer

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The Folli Follie-owned Greek retailer begins its stated mission to acquire international brands with the purchase of the UK jewellery, watches and luxury goods company

In addition to its distinctive range of jewellery and gifts, Links runs boutiques and corners in 41 points of sale across Europe, North America and Hong Kong, plus outlets in London Heathrow airport terminals one and four. Links said it expects turnover to reach £100m ($185.2m) by 2010.

Links founders Annoushka Ducas and John Ayton will remain with the company. In a statement, they said: "We have known [Folli Follie owners] the Koutsolioutsos family for several years and admire what they have achieved with Folli Follie. We are very much looking forward to working with them and benefiting from their experience in developing an international distribution network and product range. This is a wonderful opportunity for the brand and the company itself."

Folli Follie chairman and Hellenic managing director Dimitrios Koutsolioutsos added: "The acquisition realised by Hellenic Distributions is part of our strategy and directly connected with the growth prospects and realisation of our targets set for the further promotion of HDFS as an international brand with a significant and leading role in the global luxury goods market. Links of London is a recognised and well-established brand with a strong management team and an excellent track record. The synergies resulting from the cooperation with the founders of the company, together with the know-how of Folli Follie in the development of international markets, will establish Links of London as a global player."