French outerwear and ready-to-wear specialist Lener Cordier has been placed in judicial receivership as of November 26 by the Dunkirk Commercial Court, with an observation period of six months.

A key player in French outerwear manufacturing, the family-run business has not been spared from the slowdown affecting the fashion sector, according to Le Journal des Entreprises.  Lener Cordier produces garments for women, men, and children, and operates primarily in the mid-range and high-end segments as a B2B sub-contractor.

The company also has a B2C presence, selling coats, trench coats, and jackets under its Trench & Coat brand, as well as unisex virgin wool jackets under the Mout-Mout brand. Its premium brand, Maison Lener, launched in 2010, focuses on minimalist and unisex urban wear. In spring 2023, Maison Lener absorbed Chemins Blancs, another label within the group, and redefined its positioning to attract younger customers across France, Belgium, and Italy. This shift came as 70% of its wholesale sales were concentrated in Asia.

Based in Hazebrouck, Northern France, Lener Cordier employs a staff of 70 in France and 150 across Europe, supported by a production facility in eastern Ukraine, where it has been manufacturing for nearly 37 years. CEO Frédéric Lener, grandson of founder Marguerite Cordier, said that the company received widespread support from the industry following the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

Lener Cordier also operates a Parisian showroom at 17 Rue d’Aboukir (Paris II). The company underwent a protection procedure in late 2013, following a challenging year for much of France’s textile industry. After successfully weathering the storm, the company focused on leveraging its expertise, expanding its product range, and scaling down production volumes.

Recent financial reports reveal consecutive declines in net revenue, with a 1.7% drop in 2022 followed by a 6.2% fall in 2023, bringing the company’s revenue to €13.4 million in the last fiscal year.