Arafa for Investment and Consultancies’ (AIVC.CA) 98%-owned UK-based subsidiary, Baird Group, inked a deal with American company Marquee Brands, for the exclusive rights to the Ben Sherman brand in the UK and Ireland, which includes the design, production, sales, distribution and management. Ben Sherman has annual sales ranging between GBP15-20 million in the UK and Ireland, the disclosure noted. The deal includes seven Ben Sherman store outlets, retail space in House of Fraser (for rental), Ben Sherman’s online selling platform and the acquisition of Ben Sherman’s wholesale clients, which include business with the likes of Debenhams, in addition to overseas clients in the Middle East and Australia. The acquisition moves in line with Baird’s restructuring plans that started in 2012, that have helped turn the company profitable, after being pressured by the financial crisis. Arafa regards the deal as further vertical integration for the company’s operations. On another note, Baird Group’s operating profit grew 37% Y-o-Y in 9M2015 to GBP1.5 million. (Company disclosure)