British sportswear and fashion retailer Frasers Group has raised its ownership in online fashion retailer Asos to 25.13% from the previous 24.21%, as indicated by a stock exchange filing on 21 March 2025.
The move re-inforces Frasers Group’s status as the second-largest stakeholder in Asos, behind only Denmark-based apparel company Bestseller.
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Bestseller, under the leadership of Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, also increased its holding in Asos to 28% from 27.1% via its subsidiary Aktieselskabet on 19 March 2025.
Amidst these shareholder developments, Asos has presented an optimistic forecast for its first half (H1) performance in the fiscal year 2025 (FY 2025).
The company forecast a substantial uptick in profitability for this period in its November 2024 update.
In the latest trading update, Asos anticipates that its revenue for H1 FY 2025 will align with consensus estimates while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is projected to grow.
As of 20 March, the consensus compiled by Asos for H1 FY25, based on nine contributors, is as follows: total sales growth at -13%, adjusted EBITDA of £34m and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 2.6%.
Asos also noted the growth in sales of its own brand at full price during H1 FY25. This success is attributed to its innovative “test and react” model which now accounts for more than 15% of own-brand sales and continues to expand.
Asos is poised to release its financial results for H1 FY25 on 24 April.
The online retailer, founded in 2000, has 20 million active customers in more than 200 markets.
In February 2025, Asos announced organisational changes designed to amplify its focus on customer engagement and accelerate growth while fortifying its position as a global frontrunner in fashion e-commerce.
At the start of the year, Asos disclosed the intention to revamp its international distribution network.
This strategic plan includes bolstering its operations in the US to provide more efficient and effective service to its American market segment.
