Making the Wright moves in retail
Summary
David Wright, son of Hugh and founder of successful womenswear chain Max Fashions, discloses the purchase of a tranche of 1.3 million shares in Hallenstein Glasson has pushed his stake to 7.1 per cent. Hallenstein shares post their biggest one-day gain since January on takeover speculation - but analysts note Wright first began buying in mid-2000 and regard his stake as a long-term investment. For a man who has largely stayed out of the public eye, there has been no escaping the interest in David Wright that has been generated by the Hallenstein purchase and subsequent foray into the shares of ambitious vodka-maker 42 Below. Which is interesting, because despite being described as media shy, and turning down (after some negotiation) the chance to contribute to this story, Wright was forthcoming enough some months back when he bought the New Zealand master franchise for Boost Juice Bars. Purchased part of the Amazon surf wear chain in 2001, bought the master franchise for Boost Juice Bars in May 2005, sold a majority stake in Max Fashions to private equity firms in July.