After its stunning end-of-year acquisition of Luxury platform Yoox Net-A-Porter (YNAP), Farfetch’s honeymoon period is quickly coming to an end. The luxury fashion giant now faces a possible antitrust ruling by the European Union, with its parent company, Wall Street-listed FTXF Group, under investigation for acquiring YNAP, and it’s only the latest in a string of blows to the company in 2021.
1. Farfetch Faces EU Decision on YNAP Deal
Farfetch, the global fashion platform, is facing a decision on its proposed acquisition of the Yoox Net-a-Porter Group (YNAP Group). The European Commission launched an in-depth investigation into the takeover in November 2018.
Farfetch plans to create a powerful luxury e-commerce platform that would reduce the fragmentation of the online market. The merger would mean that Farfetch would gain a larger share of the European Union market. But competition regulators worry that this transaction could reduce competition and lead to higher prices and fewer choices for customers.
The European Commission is continuing to assess whether the proposed transaction could reduce competition and reduce consumer choice. It is also considering the impact the combined entity will have on innovation, data protection and other factors.
- Farfetch, the global fashion platform, is proposing the acquisition of the Yoox Net-a-Porter Group (YNAP Group).
- The European Commission is concerned that the acquisition will reduce competition and lead to higher prices and fewer choices for customers.
- The Commission are reviewing whether the proposed transaction could reduce competition, limit innovation and affect data protection.
2. Mounting Woes for Luxury E-commerce Provider
Wealthy connoisseurs of luxury items have long looked for the best sources of the properties they desire. Recently, e-commerce providers have become a popular option for this demographic. This brings with it mounting woes for these providers, however.
First and foremost, they must contend with counterfeit products. Such instances not only damage their reputation and credibility, but they can also bring a legal hurdle for the seller. Secondly, comfortably procuring the items for sale can be a challenge. Exclusivity and limited stock create an additional issue.
- Counterfeit Products: Reputation & legal risks.
- Exclusivity: Limited stock & procurement challenges.
Unless luxury e-commerce providers go the extra mile, they will fail to attract the affluent groups of customers they seek.
3. Will the EU Ban Farfetch’s Acquisition of YNAP?
It’s Complicated
The answer isn’t easy, as the EU could decide either way. In June 2019, the luxury fashion retailer Farfetch announced plans to acquire Yoox Net-A-Porter Group (YNAP). It would establish Farfetch as the largest online luxury fashion retailer in the world. Now, the question remains: Will the EU allow this merger to proceed?
The EU has been hesitant due to anti-trust concerns. Farfetch and YNAP make up two of the few major competitors in the European online luxury fashion market. The fear is that a merger could lead to higher prices for luxury fashion, leaving customers feeling the brunt.
What the Experts Say
The EU’s attitude toward mergers is mixed. On one hand, it wants to protect customers from any potential exploitation. On the other, it realises that such acquisitions are important for companies’ survival and growth.
Experts have suggested that the EU could approve the merger, but subject it to certain conditions such as restrictions on prices. This may satisfy the EU’s need to protect customers, while enabling Farfetch and YNAP to proceed with their merger.
Ultimately, we’ll have to wait for the official decision to see the EU’s true stance on the matter.
4. A Pressing Question: What Will the Outcome Mean for Farfetch?
As the Farfetch IPO looms nearer, the markets are starting to buzz with anticipation. Will the IPO be a success, or will it flop in the public market? Lucky for us, the private market already answers this question with excitement around Farfetch’s valuation. But what will it actually mean when Farfetch goes public? Let’s take a look.
This IPO will be a significant milestone – not just for the company, but for the industry as a whole. For one, it could signify a maturing of the online fashion retail market, opening doors for other companies to follow suit. Beyond that, however, there are potential impacts to Farfetch itself:
- Access to new capital: This could help Farfetch accelerate its growth plans, as it will have access to new capital.
- Recruiting clout: The IPO could bring a new level of visibility and attention to Farfetch, making it a desirable place to work.
- Increased profits: Last but not least, the IPO could be a source of great financial reward, as the company stands to make a large profit.
At the end of the day, the success or failure of Farfetch’s IPO will largely depend on the public’s perception of the company. With so much potential on the line, the outcome of this event could shape the future of online fashion retail for years to come.
As Farfetch faces the prospect of a significant EU antitrust ruling on its YNAP deal, the fashion giant is feeling the strain of mounting challenges. Euronoews will continue to follow the story closely as it develops to find out what the outcome of this ruling will be and how it will affect its businesses both inside and outside of Europe.
