BAIRD FAMILY TREE
1894
Alexandre founded - manufacturer and retailer of menswear.
1950
Alexandre commences partnership with American Armed Forces in Europe.
1971
UDS Tailoring formed from John Collier and Alexandre merger.
1986
Burton acquires John Collier and Alexandre.
1988
Centaur Clothes Group acquires business from Burton.
1989
William Baird PLC buys Centaur Clothes Group. Renamed as Baird Menswear Brands (BMB).
1990
Alexandre awarded Royal Warrants.
1991
Alexandre opens first stores with American Forces in the USA and acquires the Jeff Banks license.
1992
Debenhams suit exclusivity obtained. Alexandre wins Gold Award for Export.
1994
Arcadia suit exclusively obtained.
2000
BMB acquired via management buyout from William Baird.
2001
Export Award. Launch clothing in Sainsbury's via BMB Apparel.
2003
Buy dormant Baracuta brand.
2004
Baracuta wins Export Award, Arafa Holdings acquires shares in BMB.
2005
BMB acquire Stuncroft Brands and Addison & Steele Tailoring.
2006
Sell BMB Apparel to Li and Fung.
2007
Acquired Melka.
2008
Acquired the Pierre Cardin Licence, purchased the Crowther Group and Worth Valley Menswear.
2009
Arafa combine UK investment SRG and BMB into Baird Group. Acquired 1 ...Like No Other.
2010
Baird sells Suits You and Melka. Retains Racing Green and Young's Hire. Sells Baracuta to Italian brand house WP.
2011
Baird starts Suit Direct outlet business. Launch BMB websites:
www.suitdirect.co.uk
www.racinggreen.co.uk
www.1likenoother.co.uk
www.gibsonlondon.com
2013
Convert Goole warehouse into factory outlet. Montague mills. Move to new London showroom.
2016
Acquired Ben Sherman brand for the UK and Ireland.
Launch BMB website:
www.bensherman.co.uk
2017
Launch BMB website:
www.mensweardiscount.com