Disclaimer :

The Competition DG makes the information provided by the notifying parties in section 1.2 of Form CO available to the public in order to increase transparency. This information has been prepared by the notifying parties under their sole responsibility, and its content in no way prejudges the view the Commission may take of the planned operation. Nor can the Commission be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information contained therein.

COMP/M.4116

SECTION 1.2

Description of the concentration

The Commission has received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation 5EC) No 139/2004 (the ìRegulationî). On 23 December 2005, an investment fund advised by Apax Partners Holdings Limited (ìAPHLî) announced its intention to acquire, through one of its funds, a majority stake in Tommy Hilfiger Corporation (and its affiliates) (ìTHCî), thereby granting it sole control over its activities within the meaning of Article 3(1) (b) of the Regulation. THC, through its subsidiaries, designs, sources and sell menís, womenís and childrenís apparel. Its brands include Tommy Hilfiger and Karl Lagerfeld. THC also licenses its trademarks to third parties who design, manufacture and sell related branded products including apparel, accessories, footwear, fragrances and home furnishings.