Toys R Us US and Issac Mizrahi parent, WHP Global, has acquired a majority stake in the Dutch designer clothing company G-Star Raw for an undisclosed sum. 

The deal, scheduled to close in the fourth quarter of this year, is expected to help G-Star Raw further expand its global presence with WHP Global as its strategic partner. G-Star Raw’s existing shareholders, including founder Jos van Tilburg, will retain a stake in the brand. 

G-Star Raw’s leadership team led by CEO Rob Schilder will continue to oversee the brand’s marketing and product development functions as well as its distribution out of the Amsterdam headquarters.

“In WHP Global, we experience the right strategic and financial partner for further global and sustainable growth in the decades to come while staying true to our signature product, our dedicated teams, and our loyal business partners,” said Tilburg. 

WHP Global’s portfolio of brands includes Anne Klein, Joseph Abboud, Joe’s Jeans, Bonobos, Toys R Us and Babies R Us, generating more than US$7 billion in global sales. The company bought a 70 per cent stake in Isaac Mizrahi from Xcel Brands last year.

Founded in 1989 in Amsterdam, G-Star Raw has flagship stores in New York City, Melbourne, London, Boston, and Shanghai. It entered voluntary administration in 2020 citing challenges caused by the Covid pandemic.

In Australia, G-Star Raw permanently closed 57 stores in 2020 after failing to find a buyer.