White Stuff 'ski bums' who started out selling T-shirts out of a suitcase in posh resorts are in line for £50m payout after selling their lifestyle and clothing chain

The 'ski bum' founders of White Stuff are set to pocket £50m after selling their lifestyle and clothing chain. White Stuff was set up by Sean Thomas and a friend George Treves in the French Alps in 1985 selling T-shirts and sweatshirts to skiers in upmarket resorts such as Méribel and Val d'Isère. White Stuff was set up by Sean Thomas and a friend George Treves in the French Alps in 1985 selling T-shirts and sweatshirts to skiers in upmarket resorts such as Méribel and Val d'Isère It is understood that Mr Trevers and Mr Thomas and their families own nearly 80 per cent of the shares meaning they will recieve around £40m before the tax. Mr Treves, co-founder of retailer White Stuff, said the company's sale to the Foschini Group is 'significant and emotional' for him and co-founder Sean Thomas British fashion and lifestyle brand White Stuff has more than 130 stores across the UK White Stuff chief executive Ms Jenkins added: 'This is a very exciting moment for White Stuff and represents the natural next step for our business. Justin Hampshire, chief executive of TFG London, said: 'With White Stuff's strong presence on the high street and significant potential for sustained growth, we are committed to supporting Jo and her talented team with their ambitious rollout strategy to further increase its store and concession estate.