BlueGem Capital Partners has acquired a 70% stake in Dr. Vranjes Firenze, a leading luxury home fragrance brand.
Founded in 1983 by pharmacist Dr. Paolo Vranjes in Florence, Italy, the brand has become globally known for its unique quality and range of in-house developed scents. Its iconic reed diffuser bottles, resembling the shape of the Brunelleschi Dome of the Florence Cathedral, are sold in over 70 countries today, and are available at 14 mono-brand stores, at luxury department stores as well as various home shops and perfumeries.
Flos, the international Italian lighting brand, has acquired Ares, one of the leading Italian companies in the outdoor architectural lighting sector. This follows on from Italian private equity firm Investindustrial buying a majority stake in Flos in September 2014.
Established in 1994 in Bernareggio (Monza and Brianza) by Ambrogio Strano, Ares has been committed to reflecting the evolution of the outdoor lighting sector, offering lighting products manufactured with materials including aluminium, stainless steel and glass. It recognised early on the potential of LED light sources, with a view to offering fixtures featuring high efficiency, reduced energy consumption and a focus on environmental protection.
Oikia 3, a company owned by Rinaldo Invernizzi, has completed the acquisition of a 95% stake in Barovier&Toso from Officina dell’Arte (investment vehicle held by AVM Private Equity and DVRCAPITAL) and Vetrai28 (controlled by the Barovier family). After almost five years since its initial investment, Officina dell’Arte hands over 80% of the shares of the Company, while Vetrai28 and Mr. Iacopo Barovier remain invested, although with a reduced participation. Iacopo Barovier has been confirmed as President and Chief Executive Officer, hence safeguarding the Company’s historic traditions and ensuring management continuity.
Barovier&Toso, historic Murano glass manufacturer established in 1295, is one of the 10 oldest companies in the world. The Company manufactures lighting systems in artistic glasswork and is one of the most prestigious brands in its sector.
Private Equity Partners, Permira’s Paolo Colonna and a group of private investors have acquired Gervasoni, an Italian furniture designer and manufacturer, from its family owners. The acquisition will see the creation of Milan-based holding company Italian Design Brands (IDB), which will be the platform for a buy-and-build strategy. Gervasoni’s owners, Giovanni and Michele Gervasoni, retain a minority stake in IDB as part of the deal and managerial responsibilities within the Holding Company.
Founded in 1882 and headquartered in Udine, Italy, Gervasoni designs and produces furniture for the residential and hospitality sectors. It operates under the Gervasoni, Very Wood and Letti&Co brands.
L Capital Europe and L Capital Asia acquired a 30% stake in Vicini, owner of the Giuseppe Zanotti Design and Vicini brands.
The Company manufactures and distributes high-end fashion shoes globally through mono and multi-brand stores. Popular among celebrities and fashionistas, Giuseppe Zanotti Design has positioned itself as one of the top brands in the global luxury shoe market. Transcending its origins as a women-focused brand, the Company recently launched a men’s division specialising in both casual and formal shoes.
AVM Private Equity and DVRCAPITAL, through an investment vehicle (Offina dell’Arte), have acquired 80% of the share capital of Barovier&Toso.
Barovier&Toso, historic Murano glass manufacturer established in 1295, is one of the 10 oldest companies in the world. The Company manufactures lighting systems in artistic glasswork and is one of the most prestigious brands in its sector.