Brand management company Marquee Brands has acquired a majority interest in Italian luxury fashion house Roberto Cavalli.
Founded in Florence in 1970, Roberto Cavalli is known for its avant-garde design and distinct Italian craftsmanship. The brand will join Marquee’s portfolio of global brands, including Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, Sur La Table and Stance.
Marquee said the addition of the Italian fashion house further strengthens its position as a leader in the luxury and lifestyle sectors, bringing total portfolio-wide retail sales to approximately $5 billion.
The deal, which confirms earlier speculation, is expected to close in this year’s second quarter. Dubai-based Damac Group, which has owned the brand since 2019, will remain a significant shareholder and continue to scale its presence.
The partnership will combine Marquee’s expertise in brand development with Damac’s in luxury real estate and hospitality, unlocking new opportunities for the brand.
“Roberto Cavalli stands as one of luxury’s defining Italian houses, with a bold creative identity and enduring brand ethos,” said Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands. “We see extraordinary potential to build on that foundation through thoughtful brand stewardship and strategic expansion.”
Hussain Sajwani, founder of Damac Group, added, “After several years of solidifying the brand’s foundation, we set out to find a strategic partner with the skillset to take the brand to the next level.
“We look forward to supporting Marquee Brands’ efforts by, among other things, continuing to expand the Roberto Cavalli lifestyle through branded residences and hospitality projects in premier global destinations.”
As part of the transaction, Marquee has tapped Milan-based The Level Group to lead the development, manufacturing and distribution of the brand’s women’s and men’s collections, ensuring a unified product vision across key markets. The operating partner will also assume responsibility for retail and e‑commerce operations and wholesale distribution in Europe and the US.
