Brand management company Marquee Brands is reportedly targeting to snap up Italian fashion brand Roberto Cavalli.
Citing market sources, WWD reports that Marquee is now in pole position to take control of the fashion brand.
The negotiation process might have been slowed down by the conflict in the Middle East, however, given that Roberto Cavalli is currently owned by Auriel Investment SA, a subsidiary of Dubai-based Damac Properties.
Designer Roberto Cavalli launched his namesake brand in 1970. Damac bought the brand in 2019, after it had filed a restructuring plan with the Court of Milan.
Prior to the deal, Roberto Cavalli was under the control of Italian private equity fund Clessidra Sgr from 2015.
Cavalli’s CEO Sergio Azzolari quietly left the company last year. The brand is designed by Fausto Puglisi, who joined the house in 2020.
Last June, the company said it was “working to find the best path to growth”, which includes exploring strategic partnerships.
Founded in 2014, Marquee Brands works with approximately 300 licensees and has experience converting brands to a licensing model. Its portfolio includes Martha Stewart, BCBG Max Azria, Ben Sherman, Laura Ashley, Sur La Table, and the recently acquired Stance.
