Investment fund AXA PRIVATE EQUITY has acquired a controlling stake in clothing stores CAMAIEU (EUR 392.7 mil turnover in 2004), after buying the direct and indirect stakes of the Torck and Giraud-Verspieren families for 85 euros a share. This gives AXA 37.7% of capital and 52.7% of voting rights, which are set to rise to 39.6% and 54.7%. After buying the controlling stake, a takeover bid will be launched for the remaining shares, valuing the company at EUR 515 million.