A major trend witnessed in the domestic apparel market is the acquisitions or equity buying by retailers of well established apparel brands. Retailers gain because they can retail important brands in their stores at favourable terms, have a say in their design/product development and become a partner in the brand's growth. On the other hand, brands share equity in exchange for good money and assured presence in some of the best locations.
Following are the acquisitions and stakes bought by Future Group in various brands:

Similarly, Reliance Retail is already in talks with various brands for buying stakes into them. Maspar and Biba are a few of the brands they are in talks with.

A reverse trend is also seen, wherein brands are buying into department stores, thus helping them negotiate a better deal while selling their merchandise in such stores. An example is Zodiac, which has acquired 2.93% in Shoppers' Stop.

Another visible trend has been the emergence of private equity firms investing in fast growing apparel brands & companies. US based private equity firm Argonaut has invested nearly Rs. 50 crore in menswear brand Koutons Retail India to fund its expansion plans. Similarly New York Life Investment Management Holding (NYLIM), the investment arm of New York Life Insurance, is said to have bought 8%-10% stake in SP Apparels for Rs. 36 crore. Former World Bank president James Wolfensohn's private investment fund has picked up 6% stake in Fabindia for Rs. 44 crore.

Going forward, will this consolidation continue or is this only an off shoot of the unprecedented retail boom in India? Will the interest of PE firms buying into brands continue or will it reach a plateau in the next 2-3 years?