Aquascutum
United Kingdom
Aquascutum is a British heritage outerwear label founded in 1851 by tailor John Emary, known for waterproof coats and trench coats. It has changed hands many times, was reportedly sold to a Shandong Ruyi holding company in 2017 and entered administration again in 2020, so its current ownership is unclear.
| Founded | 1851 |
|---|---|
| Founder | John Emary |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Reported 2017 buyer | Jining Ruyi Investment (Shandong Ruyi) |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
What is Aquascutum?
Aquascutum is a London heritage brand selling menswear, womenswear and accessories, best known for waterproof outerwear. It was founded in 1851 by the tailor and entrepreneur John Emary, and the company was renamed Aquascutum in 1853 after he patented a waterproof wool.
History
Its waterproof fabric was used for officers' coats in the Crimean War and for trench coats in both world wars. It received its first royal warrant in 1897. Its wyncol fabric was used on the first confirmed ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
The company was family owned until 1990, when Japanese textile group Renown Incorporated bought it for about 20 billion yen. After losses, Renown tried to sell the brand. In September 2009 the Broadwick Group of Harold Tillman and Belinda Earl bought the non-Asia businesses and YGM Trading took the Asia rights. After administration in 2012, YGM acquired the company for 15 million pounds.
Business model and distribution
Under YGM Trading most of the brand's 146 outlets were in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, making Asia its largest market. In 2015 Canadian firm Jaytex took a licence to distribute the 1851 London collection in the United States and Canada. In September 2020 Hong Kong listed Trinity Limited, a subsidiary of Beijing Ruyi Fashion Investment Holding, received exclusive production and sales rights in Greater China and became the brand's exclusive global licensing agent for an initial three years.
Ownership
Wikipedia reports that YGM agreed in 2017 to sell the brand to Jining Ruyi Investment, a holding company of Shandong Ruyi, for about 117 million dollars, and that the brand entered administration again in September 2020. The sources reviewed do not confirm who owns the brand in 2026, so no current owner is stated.
Why it matters
Aquascutum is among the oldest British outerwear names and a reference point for the trench coat, but its repeated ownership changes make its current status a point to verify before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Aquascutum?
Wikipedia reports that Shandong Ruyi's holding company agreed to buy the brand from YGM Trading in 2017. The brand entered administration again in 2020, and a current owner could not be verified.
Where is Aquascutum from?
Aquascutum is a British brand founded in London in 1851. It is known for waterproof wool and trench coats.