Lee Cooper, the English denim brand, has signed The Beanstalk Group to develop its international licensing program. Beanstalk’s initial focus will be on Lee Cooper’s apparel and denim lifestyle business in Russia, Poland and the Baltic States.

“Lee Cooper has already established a sound reputation in the region and offers significant opportunities for further extension through its creative and trend-setting products,” says Ciaran Coyle, Beanstalk’s managing director. “We are looking forward to building the brand further in these significant emerging markets.”

The partnership between Lee Cooper and Beanstalk is part of the brand’s ambition to expand in the global marketplace. “Our vision is to bring the company from a denim-based brand into a denim lifestyle brand,” says Stefaan Le Clair, Lee Cooper chief executive officer. “We are excited to be extending the reach of Red Diamond Lee Cooper into Russia and Eastern Europe, with Beanstalk’s help.”

Founded in 1908, Lee Cooper is the oldest jeans company in Europe and the first British denim brand.