East is a ladies fashion retailer, which designs and sells its own range of ethnic-inspired clothing and accessories through more than 75 stand-alone stores and concessions throughout the UK.

In February 2006, Risk Capital Partners invested as part of a consortium taking a 50% stake in the company.

We sold our shares in two tranches during 2011 and 2012 to an Indian trade buyer who now owns the whole group, realising a return of 1x cost.

Why we invested:

• Strong brand with loyal customers and clear roll-out potential
• Strong portfolio of retail stores with no loss making sites
• A clear turnaround plan to reposition the brand

How we helped:

• Repositioned brand to loyal customer base following strategic review
• Recruitment of key senior management positions to augment existing team
• Introduction of strategic supply equity partner
• Supported roll-out of new select new outlets