The Arcadia Group, UK's largest privately owned clothing retailer, will partner Tata Group for the roll-out of its high-fashion apparel and accessory retail chain Topshop and Topman in India.
 
Arcadia Group, controlled by British billionaire Philip Green, was also in talks with realty major DLF for its India operation, but decided in favour of a franchise agreement with Tata Group's retail chain Trent, sources close to the development said.

Topshop and Topman, which caters exclusively to young women and men and a popular brand with Indian visitors to the UK, will compete with the likes of Esprit.

Arcadia Group owns several high-street clothing retailers, including Miss Selfridge, Burton, Evans, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis, besides Topshop and Topman.

The alliance with Topshop and Topman will mark Trent's debut in the premium clothing segment.

Since its US launch last year, Philip Green has been pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy for Topshop and Topman, with an India launch and a China roll-out later.

At present, Topshop operates a mix of company-owned and franchise stores in over 30 countries, including the UK, the US, Russia and Dubai.

The 30-year-old brand offers a range of formal and informal wears and accessories targeted at young men.

Green had also acquired some retail chains, including Jean Jeannie, sports retailer Olympus, Sears retail chain, Arcadia and BHS.

Arcadia and BHS together are the second-largest clothing retailer in the UK after Marks & Spencer, a firm Green tried to unsuccessfully acquire in 1999 and 2004.
 
Trent operates lifestyle chain Westside, hypermarket Star Bazaar and books and music retail chain Landmark in India. Trent is listed on BSE and NSE and reported net sales of Rs144 crore for December quarter.

Arcadia Group is privately owned by Taveta Investments Ltd, the investment vehicle owned by Philip Green and his family.