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EziBuy has bought Max Fashions and says it will give the New Zealand retail brand a much bigger profile by increasing online sales in Australia.
Ezibuy chief executive Mary Devine announced the deal yesterday and confirmed that the company - Australasia's largest home apparel and home decor catalogue firm - was planning another acquisition in the New Year.
She said Max would maintain its retail footprint in this country but its expansion in Australia would be online and using Ezibuy's distributions channels.
New Zealand private equity company Direct Capital bought Max two years ago with founder David Wright retaining a stake.
Wright - who is the son of New Zealand retail veteran Hugh Wright - was in Britain and could not be contacted.
There will be interest in his next move.
Wright and parties associated with him hold 9.8 per cent Hallensteins Glassons Group. Ezibuy - 57 per cent owned by New Zealand interests and 43 per cent by Australian private equity company Catalyst - expanded this year with the purchase of corporate clothing company Profile.
In a separate move, Auckland homeware retailer Stevens Homeware has been sold to the Farmers Trading Company.
Farmers principals Anne and David Norman are listed as sole directors.
Stevens Homewares has 25 stores including 15 in Auckland.
