Designer Cath Kidston Set to Sell Her Fashion & Accessories Empire

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British designer Cath Kidston—known and beloved for her charming floral prints and whimsical accessories—is in talks to sell her company for more than £100 million to American company TA Associates. One of the few companies to thrive during the economic downturn in recent years, profits at Kidston's label—which has 35 shops in the UK, Ireland, and Japan—grew 61% in the fiscal year ending March 2009.

"We work hard to ensure that our products are pretty, practical and affordable," Kidston told the Guardian. "We also try to make the shopping experience fun and light-hearted, which we hope will give our customers a reason to be cheerful regardless of the economic climate."
· Designer Cath Kidston in deal to sell off her retail empire [Guardian]