Bench locates its second decision centre in Munich.

By

Bruno Joly

Published
Dec 1, 2014

It isn't really a surprise but rather a symbolic step. British band Bench will have a Munich "headquarters" as of March. The Manchester-based brand has found a 32,000 ft² space in the Bavarian city, at the former industrial site of Infineon, a previous subsidiary of Siemens, specialised in semi-conductors.

This announcement is logical with the Monday arrival of new head Bruno Sälzer, former CEO of Hugo Boss followed by Escada. The executive, who also purchased stake in Bench's parent company, has since recruited several colleagues to key positions. Natalie Suessmann, ex-Escada, has thus become chief marketing officer, while Sebastian Prallet has left Swiss group Holy Fashion (Windsor, Strellson...) to lead the wholesale division.

And it also entirely logical that the e-commerce, wholesale, licenses, communications and marketing divisions will be based in Munich where there will be 50 employees. The location will include a 6,500 ft² showroom.

Indeed, as Bruno Sälzer recalls in a press release, Bench generates half of its sales in Germany. It is owned by Americana International which was bought by Munich-based private equity firm Emeram Capital Partners in 2014.

In Manchester, approximately 110 employees work in administration and design.

Bench makes more than 80 billion pounds ($12.5 million) in revenue and has 50 million licensed partners. Its leading markets are Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada.