Investment firm Inc & Co has announced the acquisition of Studio Pia – a British ethical and sustainable luxury lingerie brand.

It said the “strategic move signifies the company’s expansion into the retail sector with an aim to ‘set new standards of excellence’ in the market”.

The acquisition come ahead of the label undertaking a brand refresh later in the year, as well as relaunching its website to expand its digital offering.

Founder Pia Harpur said the AW24 collection will include “an exciting revamp of our established and beloved designs” and that she sees the new partnership “as a brand rebirth, which will further solidify our commitment to ethical luxury worldwide”.

The seven-year-old brand was launched by Harpur with the aim of creating “ethical and avant-garde designs through exquisite craftsmanship”.

She’ll retain her leadership role under the new owner and will work with Inc & Co “to elevate the brand’s presence and expand its global footprint”.

So what happens next? We’re told the initial plans are to expand the business through wholesale, pop-up stores, concessions globally and third-party premium websites.

“This marks a significant milestone for Inc & Co as we continue our expansion into retail alongside Studio Pia whose management retains a level of equity,” said CEO Jack Mason.

“Our in-house commercial and finance team will work closely with [it], allowing the team to focus on what they’re already exceptionally good at, creating award-winning luxury lingerie.”

Harpur added: “Having built the brand over the ups and downs of the last seven years, now feels like the perfect time to bring in the expertise needed to take the brand to the next level, and Inc & Co is the perfect partner to help us achieve our ambitions. Their expertise will help open doors that were previously inaccessible to Studio Pia, and with their support, we can access new opportunities and reach a wider audience who align with [our] ethos.”