Who Owns Freed of London?

By Alice Nichols

Freed of London is a renowned brand that specializes in manufacturing high-quality ballet shoes. The company has been around for over a century, and its shoes are used by some of the most well-known ballet dancers in the world. However, there is often confusion surrounding who owns the brand.

The Origins of Freed of London

Freed of London was founded in 1929 by Frederick Freed and his wife, Dora. The couple started their business by making pointe shoes for their daughter, who was a ballet dancer.

The shoes they created were so well-crafted that other dancers began to take notice and request their own pairs. This led to the birth of Freed of London as a company.

The Ownership History of Freed of London

Over the years, ownership of Freed of London has changed hands several times. In 1995, the company was acquired by Danceworks UK Ltd., which was then sold to Bloch International in 2000.

In 2015, Freed of London was acquired by private equity firm Phoenix Equity Partners. At the time, Phoenix Equity Partners stated that they were attracted to Freed’s strong reputation and growth potential.

Who Owns Freed of London Today?

As of now, Phoenix Equity Partners still owns Freed of London. The private equity firm has continued to invest in the brand and expand its product line. In recent years, they have introduced new lines such as jazz shoes and tap shoes.

The Future for Freed of London

With Phoenix Equity Partners at the helm, it seems likely that Freed of London will continue to grow and evolve its product offerings. The brand has already expanded beyond just pointe shoes to include a wide range of dance footwear.

It’s also worth noting that while ownership may change hands over time, the quality and craftsmanship behind each pair of Freed shoes remains consistent. Ballet dancers around the world continue to rely on Freed of London for their high-quality dance shoes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while ownership of Freed of London has changed hands several times over the years, the brand remains a leader in the dance footwear industry. With continued investment from Phoenix Equity Partners, it’s clear that they are committed to ensuring Freed of London remains a trusted name in ballet shoes for years to come.