By Dipo Olowookere
Global fashion luxury group, Michael Kors Holdings Limited, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Italian luxury fashion house, Gianni Versace, for a total enterprise value of €1.83 billion or $2.12 billion.
Versace, long recognized as one of the world’s leading luxury fashion companies, is synonymous with Italian glamour and style.
A statement by Michael Kors disclosed that with the acquisition, it intends to grow Versace to $2.0 billion in revenues globally and build on the brand’s luxury runway momentum.
In addition, the firm plans to enhance Versace’s powerful and iconic marketing, increase global retail footprint from approximately 200 to 300 stores, accelerate e-commerce and omni-channel development, and expand men’s and women’s accessories and footwear from 35 percent to 60 percent of revenues.
It was disclosed that the acquisition of Versace is expected to deliver a number of benefits for Michael Kors by helping it grow the group’s revenues to $8 billion in the long-term, expand the global luxury group to include three iconic founder-led brands defined by fashion luxury products with a reputation for world-class design and innovation.
Also, the deal is expected to diversify Michael Kors’ geographic portfolio from 66 percent Americas to 57 percent Americas, 23 percent Europe to 24 percent Europe, 11 percent Asia to 19 percent Asia, and create a potential long-term operational synergies.
Commenting on the deal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Michael Kors Holdings Limited, Mr John Idol, said, “The acquisition of Versace is an important milestone for our group. Versace was founded in 1978. For over 40 years, Versace has represented the epitome of Italian fashion luxury, a testament to the brand’s timeless heritage.
“We are excited to have Versace as part of our family of luxury brands, and we are committed to investing in its growth.
“With the full resources of our group, we believe that Versace will grow to over $2 billion in revenues. We believe that the strength of the Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo brands, and the acquisition of Versace, position us to deliver multiple years of revenue and earnings growth.”
“Donatella’s iconic style is at the heart of the design aesthetic of Versace. She will continue to lead the company’s creative vision. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Donatella on Versace’s next chapter of growth,” Mr Idol continued.
“This is a very exciting moment for Versace,” said Donatella Versace. “It has been more than 20 years since I took over the company along with my brother Santo and daughter Allegra. I am proud that Versace remains very strong in both fashion and modern culture. Versace is not only synonymous with its iconic and unmistakable style, but with being inclusive and embracing of diversity, as well as empowering people to express themselves. Santo, Allegra and I recognize that this next step will allow Versace to reach its full potential. We are all very excited to join a group led by John Idol, whom I have always admired as a visionary as well as a strong and passionate leader. We believe that being part of this group is essential to Versace’s long-term success. My passion has never been stronger. This is the perfect time for our company, which puts creativity and innovation at the core of all of its actions, to grow.”
Donatella added, “Santo, Allegra and I will become shareholders in Capri Holdings Limited. This demonstrates our belief in the long-term success of Versace and commitment to this new global fashion luxury group.”
“Versace’s management team will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Akeroyd, who has been an instrumental partner to Donatella in driving growth and success for Versace worldwide,” added John D. Idol. “He and Donatella have assembled strong senior management and design teams that will continue to lead Versace into its next chapter. We are extremely fortunate to be able to acquire such an extraordinary brand with an incredibly talented team.”
Jonathan Akeroyd, Chief Executive Officer of Versace, said, “Since I joined Versace over two years ago, our focus has been on leveraging the company’s heritage and strong brand recognition worldwide, which has allowed us to experience significant growth in all regions. Donatella’s unmatched vision has led to the continued and growing success of our brand. I am thrilled to be joining Capri Holdings Limited, which will be instrumental in accelerating our growth globally.”
Business Post Contributor