Hunkemöller
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fast fashion, Retail |
| Founded | 1886 |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam , Netherlands |
| Products | Lingerie and associated items |
| Owner | The Carlyle Group (minority shareholding since 2022) |
Hunkemöller is a Netherlands-based fast fashion retailer focused on offering budget-friendly lingerie and associated items.
Corporate information
Hunkemöller identifies itself within the fast fashion sector. Established in 1886 in Amsterdam originally as a corset specialty store, it has since transformed into a leading brand in fast fashion lingerie.
Private equity ownership
At the beginning of 2016, ownership of Hunkemöller transferred to The Carlyle Group. Before this acquisition, the company was held by PAI Partners starting in 2010, and prior to that, it was part of Maxeda.
In October 2021, The Carlyle Group revealed intentions to divest from the company, with the CEO estimating the business’s value at around €1 billion (£855.45m). In 2022, Carlyle sold a controlling interest but maintained a minority shareholding.
Greenwashing
In 2022, Hunkemöller faced legal action from a German consumer protection organization due to allegations of deceptive marketing linked to claims about product sustainability, despite the absence of sustainable materials in their items.