Middle West Partners purchases American menswear brand Paul Stuart

Private investment group Middle West Partners (MWP) has announced the acquisition of Paul Stuart, the iconic American luxury menswear brand. This acquisition was completed in partnership with apparel manufacturer Peerless Clothing, who together purchased the heritage label from Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

The transition marks the end of a 50-year partnership with Mitsui & Co., a tenure credited with shaping the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. For MWP, the acquisition represents a strategic effort to amplify a brand that has maintained relevance for 87 years.

“The Paul Stuart name continues to resonate with a discerning client,” stated Kevin Kelleher, managing partner of Middle West Partners. “Our goal is to protect its unmatched quality and amplify its unique attributes on a global scale.”

To lead this new era, John Hutchison, the former CEO of Bonobos, has been appointed as the incoming CEO of Paul Stuart. Hutchison is expected to leverage his experience in building modern menswear brands to provide a "fresh eye" and a global perspective on the label’s future.

For MWP co-founder Michael Hamp, whose family co-owns the Detroit Lions, the acquisition carries personal weight. Hamp noted that his family has worn the brand for over 25 years, describing it as a "privilege and honor" to steward a brand with a look so "distinctly its own."

The joint focus for Middle West Partners and Peerless Clothing moving forward will include strengthening core brand identity to maintain its iconic status, unlocking international growth opportunities and investing in product design to modernize the offering while respecting its heritage.

This move follows MWP's earlier acquisition this year of the high jewelry house David Webb, further signaling the group's intent to build a portfolio of American heritage brands.