Frasers Group is looking to appoint its chief executive Michael Murray as the chief executive of Hugo Boss as its efforts to take over the fashion giant continue, according to the Times.

Citing sources close to the matter, the paper reported that Frasers has been laying the groundwork to install Murray, the son-in-law of Frasers Group owner Mike Ashley, at the helm of the luxury fashion brand.

Frasers Group, the owner of Sports Direct, House of Fraser, and Evans Cycles, began its €2 billion takeover bid for Hugo Boss in June as part of Murray’s push to expand its exposure to the luxury retail market.

The retailer offered €38 per share for the 73.42 per cent of Hugo Boss it did not already own. It followed this up at the end of the month stating that this was its final offer.

Hugo Boss has responded by urging its shareholders to reject the deal, arguing that it undervalues the firm.

The Times added that Frasers Group has now exceeded the 30 per cent stake in Hugo Boss that requires it to launch a takeover bid under German law. The acceptance period for the offer ends today.

Frasers Group is embarking on several high-profile takeover bids at present. In June, it announced a £166m bid for Accent Group, an Australian footwear and clothing retailer with the distribution rights for brands including Dr. Martens, Reebok, and Skechers in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the owner of Australian brands such as Hype DC, Platypus, and Stylerunner.

On 15 July, Sky News also reported that Frasers Group had joined the bidding war for Harvey Nichols, alongside other brands including Next.

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