New contenders have emerged in the bid to acquire Versace, including Marco Bizzarri, the former Gucci CEO, who appears eager to make a move in his new role as an investor. However, the competition is fierce, as Barclays is actively seeking buyers for both Versace and Jimmy Choo on behalf of Capri Holdings. The auction initially attracted around 15 interested parties, but the list has reportedly been narrowed down to half, with final bids for the next round expected by early February.
The Prada Group has been a rumored contender for a while, but other names in the mix reportedly include Bahraini firm Investcorp, private equity firm Permira, and more. Ferrari-owner Exor also explored the opportunity but seems to have opted out. Each potential buyer is approaching the deal with a unique strategy, and not all are targeting every asset on the table. However, the spotlight remains on Versace, widely regarded as a premier brand with strong global appeal, despite facing challenges under Capri’s ownership. Fashion-focused contenders like Prada and Marco Bizzarri might hold an edge thanks to their extensive networks that can help strengthen the brand. Strategic buyers such as Prada also have the flexibility to offer higher bids, offsetting costs later through back-office integrations. Miuccia Prada and her son, Lorenzo Bertelli, are reportedly keen on acquiring Versace. Although Prada’s interest was initially met with skepticism, seen by some as a move to gain insight into a competitor’s operations, the brand is said to remain a serious contender.
Doubts persist about Prada’s chances of acquiring the brands. Donatella Versace’s contract as chief creative officer is said to be up for renewal in February, sparking questions about whether she or Capri will extend it. Meanwhile, talk of interest from Bizzarri and Prada has fuelled speculation that Dario Vitale, formerly Miu Miu’s ready-to-wear design director, could be a potential successor to Donatella.
In 2018, Donatella Versace struck an INR 18178 crore ($2.1 billion) deal to sell her family’s company to what was then Michael Kors Holdings, later renamed Capri. Now, Capri is believed to be exploring options for Versace, Jimmy Choo, and potentially Michael Kors. This comes after the U.S. government’s antitrust challenge led to the collapse of Tapestry Inc.’s planned INR 73578 crore ($8.5 billion) acquisition of Capri.
For Marco Bizzarri, acquiring Versace would solidify his transition into a second career focused on dealmaking. He is reportedly working to secure funding for the purchase and has already made strides in the investment world. Last spring, through his personal holding company, Nessifashion, Bizzarri acquired a 23% stake in Italian fashion brand Elisabetta Franchi and took on the role of chairman.
In 2021, he joined Orienta Capital Partners as a partner and investor. The firm, founded in 2011 by Mario Gardini, specializes in small- and medium-sized companies with strong growth potential. Bizzarri and Gardini share deep professional ties, having both hailed from Emilia Romagna and worked together in Bologna during the 1990s at Arthur Andersen and Mandarina Duck.
