Van de Velde, according to reports, has bought an 87 percent stake in the business for £8million.

The Royal-warranted bra specialist was founded by Mrs Rigby and Mrs Peller in Mayfair’s South Molton Street in 1939. A Royal warrant was first granted to the business in 1960.

Ignace van Dooselare, Van de Velde’s chief executive, told the Guardian: “It is our intention to work closely with both the Kenton family and the existing management team, to invest and grow Rigby & Peller both in the UK and internationally.”