Chinese Lingerie Giant Secures Three Factories in First Expansion Beyond Asia
Hop Lun, a leading Hong Kong-based lingerie manufacturer, has finalized two agreements to acquire three production sites in Morocco, marking its first manufacturing footprint in Africa and accelerating its access to European markets.
Details of the Expansion
Acquisition of Tobago
Hop Lun will take ownership of Tobago, a well-established Moroccan producer of corsetry, lingerie, and swimwear.
Founded in 1996, Tobago operates a 3,000-square-meter factory capable of producing around 1 million garments annually, primarily for French and other European brands.
Deal with Chantelle Group in Morocco
A second agreement covers Famaco and Atma, two Moroccan factories previously operated by French luxury lingerie brand Chantelle.
Together, these sites add approximately 1.4 million garments per year to Hop Lun’s production capacity.
Chantelle will continue to source lingerie products from Hop Lun once the acquisitions are complete. Both transactions are expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Strategic Value for European Market Access
Leveraging Morocco–EU Trade Advantages
The three Moroccan facilities employ around 800 workers in total, providing Hop Lun with a strong local workforce and seamless entry into European Union markets through Morocco’s preferential trade agreements with the EU.
“This acquisition reflects our confidence in the strength and potential of the local workforce, and our excitement about the opportunities ahead— Erik Ryd, Executive Chairman of Hop Lun
He added that Morocco offers a dynamic platform for growth, supported by its improving industrial infrastructure and export-oriented ecosystem.
Global Growth Momentum
Expansion Since Platinum Equity Takeover
Hop Lun operates factories in Bangladesh, China, and Indonesia, supplying major international consumer brands as well as its own labels.
Since being acquired in 2022 by Platinum Equity, the U.S. investment fund owned by billionaire Tom Gores, the company has:
- Acquired a lingerie manufacturer in Bangladesh
- Expanded production in China
- Entered the U.S. market through a third acquisition
The Morocco deal now extends its global reach to Africa for the first time.
Morocco’s Textile Industry Role
A Major Employer and Export Engine
Morocco’s textile and apparel industry:
- Employs 235,000 people — 24% of industrial employment
- Hosts approximately 1,600 companies
- Exports the majority of production to the European Union
The country continues to strengthen its position as a near-shore manufacturing hub for European fashion brands seeking shorter lead times and responsible sourcing models.
