BranDNA Brand Management Company has concluded strategic investment from Mitsui & Co.
Over the past 26 years, BranDNA and its predecessor have been exclusive distributors, licensors, and joint venture partners for over 40 international brands in China. BranDNA now manages premium denim brand 7 For All Mankind, skincare brand Borghese, Marquee Group’s women’s wear BCBGMAXAZRIA, Ben Sherman, water sports brand Body Glove, and luggage brands Porsche Design & Bric’s, among others. Also BranDNA is supporting some well-known Japanese brands to develop Chinese business.
On April 13, 2024 release, PWC forecast China’s luxury market to reach $148 billion by 2030, and is poised to be the no 1 global market. This reflects the solid foundation of Chinese consumption. The vast market potential attracts numerous international companies.
BranDNA CEO James Chen shares: “I have been staying in China for 26 years and clearly understand that while China economy is still in recovery period, it is already the second largest consumer market in the world. We are here for long term, and strategically, now is the good time for brands to enter China with experienced and reliable partners like BranDNA and Mitsui. We provide a safer inroad with efficiency in time, energy, and cost.”
He added “Chinese brands have dramatically improved and are now comparable to international brands. With Mitsui as a strategic partner, BranDNA will extend the support assisting Chinese and international brands to enter Japan and Southeast Asia market. “
James Chen has years of experience in the China fashion industry, having held senior positions at Li & Fung Group and Fosun Fashion Group (now Lanvin Group) before founding BranDNA. Chen was the founder of UCCAL Fashion Group (which was acquired by Li & Fung in 2014). During his tenure, he developed over 700 monobrand stores across China for brands such as Roberto Cavalli, A. Testoni, Isaia, St. John, M Missoni and Porsche Design.
About BranDNA
BranDNA assists international fashion and beauty brands entering China with comprehensive management capabilities across online and offline retail, wholesale, product development, merchandising, marketing and communication, human capital and complete back-office support. As a platform for fashion, and lifestyle brand, BranDNA has a network of potential licensees, offline & online distribution, landlords, and proven ecosystem of third-party service providers. BranDNA is a one-stop solution provider for brands aspiring to enter the China and Southeast Asian markets.
About Mitsui & Co.
Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with a presence in more than 60 countries and a diverse business portfolio covering a wide range of industries.
The company identifies, develops, and grows its businesses in partnership with a global network of trusted partners including world leading companies, combining its geographic and cross-industry strengths to create long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders.
Mitsui has set three key strategic initiatives for its current Medium-term Management Plan: supporting industries to grow and evolve with stable supplies of resources and materials, and providing infrastructure; promoting a global transition to low-carbon and renewable energy; and empowering people to lead healthy lives through the delivery of quality healthcare and access to good nutrition.
Visit www.mitsui.com/jp/en/ for more information.
