Embracing a Bright Future: The Acquisition of WGSN by Apax Funds
Today, we announce a significant milestone for WGSN. After over twenty-five years of pioneering trend forecasting and collaborating with the world's leading brands, we have exciting news to share. We have completed an acquisition agreement with Apax Partners LLP, a global private equity advisory firm, creating a partnership that sets the stage for a new chapter for WGSN, fueling our passion for innovation and propelling the company towards an even brighter future.
"Today’s news marks an incredibly important milestone for WGSN. For over 25 years, WGSN has been a true pioneer, revolutionising trend forecasting and working with the world’s biggest brands to super-charge their futures. With the support of the Apax Funds and the Apax platform, we are ideally positioned to build on our unique offering, which combines AI and data forecasting models alongside the world’s best forecasters, to further support our global customers in designing and creating the products and experiences their consumers need today and tomorrow.” - Carla Buzasi, President and CEO, WGSN
“WGSN has long been at the forefront of consumer trend forecasting, and we see a meaningful opportunity to invest behind the business to help it extend its capabilities and reach. We look forward to partnering with the entire team, leveraging Apax’s sector expertise, operational experience, and deep industry network to accelerate growth and reinforce WGSN’s position as the global authority on trend forecasting.” - Mark Sykes, Principal, Apax
“We’re excited to work side by side with Carla and her team to execute on our shared vision for growth. The team has built a terrific business with mission-critical products, a strong brand, and a long history of customer success. Together, we will continue to innovate and improve WGSN’s core fashion product proposition while accelerating the company’s already successful expansion into new verticals." - Steve Kooyers, Partner, Apax
Looking Ahead
As we embrace this new chapter, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our commitment to inspiring growth and transforming businesses aligns perfectly with Apax's values and focus. Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional services and insights to our customers across all the sectors we support, including consumer insights, beauty, fashion, interiors, and more.
At WGSN, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve, anticipating consumer needs, and creating products that shape the future. With the expertise and resources provided by Apax, we are confident in our ability to take trend forecasting to new heights, helping drive innovation, and leveraging the power of data analytics and expert advisory to deliver unparalleled value to our clients.
We are incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence placed in us by our customers and partners over the years. Together with Apax, we are embracing a bright future, fueled by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.
ABOUT WGSN
WGSN is the global authority on consumer, lifestyle and product design trends, ensuring brands around the world create the right products at the right time for tomorrow’s consumer.
WGSN's trusted consumer and design forecasts power outstanding product design, enabling our customers to create a better future. Our services cover consumer insights, beauty, consumer tech, fashion, interiors, lifestyle, food and drink forecasting, data analytics and expert advisory.
Visit wgsn.com
ABOUT APAX
Apax Partners LLP ("Apax") is a leading global private equity advisory firm. For 50 years, Apax has worked to inspire growth and ideas that transform businesses. The firm has raised and advised funds with aggregate commitments of more than $65 billion. The Apax Funds invest in companies across four global sectors of Internet/Consumer, Tech, Services, and Healthcare. These funds provide long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies. For more information see: www.apax.com.
Apax Partners is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.