'Significant opportunity to accelerate innovation': Two Northern Ireland clothing specialists have joined forces in a deal that creates one of the UK's largest corporate wear groups
Cooneen Group has agreed a share acquisition deal with Tailored Image, bringing together two of the sector’s leading suppliers and creating a major new force in the corporate uniform market
Fivemiletown clothing manufacturing giant Cooneen Group has agreed a share acquisition deal with Dungannon corporate uniform specialist Tailored Image, creating one of the largest corporate wear groupings in the UK – and bringing together two of Northern Ireland's most successful apparel businesses.
The agreement unites two established companies with a combined customer portfolio that includes major organisations such as easyJet, An Post, the NHS, Transport for London and Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Together, the businesses believe they are well-positioned to strengthen their presence across the UK, Ireland and Europe while expanding their capabilities across a wider range of products, services and markets.
The deal represents a significant milestone for Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector, combining decades of expertise in corporate wear, workwear and specialist apparel under one umbrella. Both firms have built strong reputations for innovation, customer service and product quality, serving high-profile clients across multiple industries.
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, Cooneen Group is one of Northern Ireland’s leading manufacturers, specialising in protective and military wear, aviation products, workwear and managed clothing solutions. The company is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and operates across the UK, Europe and Asia.
Tailored Image, founded by the Birt family in 1998 and based outside Dungannon, has built a reputation as a design-led supplier of bespoke corporate uniform solutions, serving customers throughout Ireland, Britain and mainland Europe.
The companies stressed that the deal would not affect day-to-day operations, with existing management teams and staff remaining in place and Tailored Image continuing to trade under its established brand.
Cooneen Group managing director Eugene Greene said the acquisition brought together two highly complementary businesses.
“Under the leadership of Bernard Birt and his fellow directors, Tailored Image has built an outstanding reputation for innovation, customer service and product excellence, and we are excited to welcome their talented team and expertise into our organisation,” he said.
Tailored Image managing director Bernard Birt described the agreement as an important milestone in the company's growth story.
“This development represents an exciting milestone in the Tailored Image story,” he explained.
“Joining forces with The Cooneen Group creates significant opportunity to accelerate innovation and deliver an enhanced service to our existing customers as well as the opportunity to grow our joint portfolio further. We look forward to working together to the benefit of our combined staff as well as our valued customers.”
Tailored Image specialises in fully managed corporate uniform programmes, offering design, manufacturing, wardrobe management and logistics services. The company also operates a hybrid manufacturing model, combining global production partnerships with in-house embroidery and heat-sealing facilities at its Co Tyrone headquarters.
The deal marks one of the most significant developments in Northern Ireland’s apparel and textile sector in recent years, creating a combined business with a substantial footprint across corporate wear, workwear and specialist clothing markets.