Married couple’s fashion chain is valued at £800m

A BRITISH couple could make hundreds of millions of pounds after their fashion business became the subject of a bidding war.

Matchesfashion is being eyed by big private investors who could pay more than £800m to buy it.

The business, founded in 1987 by Tom Chapman, 54, and his wife Ruth, 55, sells designer brands such as Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Burberry. It employs hundreds of people, has four stores and its HQ is based in The Shard, in London.

The Chapmans stepped down as joint chief executives two years ago but still own more than half the shares, meaning they would be in line to receive at least £400m.

It could see the South London pair, who have three children, join the ranks of Britain’s super-rich.

Possible buyers are said to include private equity funds Apax Partners, KKR, Permira and Bain Capital.

They have been drawn in by booming growth at the business, which swung to a profit of £11m last year after five years of losses.

Sales on its website have grown rapidly as wealthy customers have embraced internet shopping.

Last night a spokesman for Matchesfashion declined to comment.