VF and Kellwood eye Rock & Republic

American denim brand Rock & Republic, which has been under the ‘Chapter 11’ bankruptcy protection since last Spring, is attracting a lot of attention.

According to the Anglo-Saxon press, VF Corporation, best known for its ownership of numerous brands (Lee, Wrangler, 7 For All Mankind, etc), and Kellwood, which operates lifestyle brand Vince, studied the case closely. But the deal fell through. The two suitors did not want to grant the founder’s wish of keeping a creative role in the business.

Rock & Republic, founded by the eccentric Michael Ball, is the symbol of high-priced trendy denim from the 2000’s. In April this year, the company filed for bankruptcy protection. “It’s is a strategic action… that will enable us to adopt the financial and operational initiatives needed to support the brand's growth needs," said Geoffrey D. Lurie, the company's newly named chief restructuring officer.