Vivienne Westwood to manage own stores

Vivienne Westwood is to manage its own stores following an out-of-court settlement to end its agreement with its franchise partner Hervia Ltd.

Manchester based Hervia, which has now placed itself into liquidation, had operated seven Vivienne Westwood boutiques. However, the fashion designer sought to end agreements with the firm in 2011 after 18 years and a legal battle followed.

An undisclosed pay-off has been agreed and Vivienne Westwood Ltd has taken over the leases and the operation of four stores in Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and Nottingham, according to the Independent.

A spokesperson for Vivienne Westwood said: “Since 1995 the two companies have enjoyed a successful business relationship and wish each other the best for the future.”