Russell Europe Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Russell Corporation, has invested in its bespoke/customwear offering for Europe with the acquisition of Picos, a Portuguese-based bespoke clothing manufacturer. The acquisition was finalised on Friday July 22, 2005.

Picos, which was established by Jean Michel Abou and Jose Dias in 1997, has a reputation for bespoke manufacture throughout Europe and is said to be renowned for its fast turnaround of bespoke garments, samples and high quality production. 

Richard Oliver, managing director, commented on the acquisition, "We recognise the potential of the bespoke market in Europe and strongly believe the values of Picos complement those of Russell Europe.”

The bespoke arm will be headed by Allan Hodge, customwear business manager within Russell Europe.