BDA Partners is pleased to announce that its client, DAMAC Group, based in the UAE, has agreed to sell a majority interest in Roberto Cavalli. Cavalli is an iconic luxury house celebrated for its avant-garde design and distinct Italian craftsmanship. The buyer is Marquee Brands, a Neuberger Berman-backed premier accelerator of timeless brands. DAMAC Group will retain a significant minority stake in the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BDA Partners served as financial advisor to DAMAC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marquee Brands, the premier global brand management company and leading brand accelerator, will take a majority interest in Roberto Cavalli, through a strategic partnership with DAMAC, the leading Dubai-based conglomerate & real estate developer. The transaction is expected to close in June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in Florence in 1970, Roberto Cavalli is an iconic luxury house. It joins Marquee\u2019s portfolio including Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, Sur La Table, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Stance. Cavalli strengthens Marquee\u2019s position as a leader in luxury & lifestyle, bringing portfolio-wide retail sales to US$5bn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marquee Brands is owned by funds managed by Neuberger, an investment management firm. Marquee continues to scale its platform, acquiring heritage brands with deep consumer resonance. Cavalli marks the 22nd brand in Marquee\u2019s portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the transaction, Marquee Brands announces Milan-based partner The Level Group (TLG) as its core operating partner. TLG will lead development, manufacturing and distribution of the brand\u2019s women\u2019s & men\u2019s collections, ensuring a unified, elevated product vision across key markets. TLG will assume responsibility for retail & ecommerce operations and wholesale distribution in Europe and the US, strengthening Cavalli\u2019s direct-to-consumer presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heath Golden, CEO, Marquee Brands, said: \u201cRoberto Cavalli stands as one of luxury\u2019s defining Italian houses, with a bold creative identity and enduring brand ethos. We see extraordinary potential to build on that foundation through thoughtful brand stewardship and strategic expansion. In partnership with DAMAC, we\u2019ll continue to elevate the Roberto Cavalli experience worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hussain Sajwani, Founder, DAMAC Group, said: \u201cRoberto Cavalli is one of the most distinctive luxury brands in the world. After solidifying the brand\u2019s foundation, we set out to find a strategic partner with the skillset to take the brand to the next level. We are confident Marquee Brands is the right partner. Given our love for the brand and meaningful ongoing shareholdings, we look forward to supporting Marquee Brands\u2019 efforts, continuing to expand the Roberto Cavalli lifestyle through branded residences and hospitality projects in premier global destinations, an area that remains fully owned and operated by DAMAC. This collaboration marks an exciting new era for the brand. We look forward to its significant future expansion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zachary Sigel, Managing Director at Neuberger and Co-Founder of Marquee Brands, said: \u201cMarquee Brands has established a proven, capital\u2011efficient business model for driving growth through disciplined brand management, strategic partnerships and a long-term investment horizon. The acquisition of Roberto Cavalli reinforces Neuberger\u2019s confidence in the platform and its ability to continue to create value for investors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Euan Rellie, Managing Partner, BDA Partners, said: \u201cBDA is honoured to have brought together DAMAC, Marquee, and Neuberger in this partnership. Roberto Cavalli is undeniably iconic. Its founder was the \u2018King of Excess\u2019. His label revolutionized fashion in the 1980s and 1990s, championing glamorous maximalism, sensual silhouettes, bold animal prints. This sumptuous brand is poised to scale new heights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The partnership between Marquee Brands and DAMAC expands the global reach of the Cavalli brand, bringing together complementary strengths and shared commitment to elevating the legendary maison. Marquee Brands will accelerate Cavalli\u2019s growth, introducing new categories, services & experiential touchpoints across Europe, the UK, the US, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DAMAC will continue to scale the brand through Roberto Cavalli-branded residences and hospitality projects across key global markets, reinforcing the brand\u2019s luxury position and desirability. The partnership creates a powerful platform that unites Marquee Brands\u2019 expertise in global brand development with DAMAC\u2019s leadership in luxury real estate and hospitality, unlocking significant opportunities for the future of Roberto Cavalli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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