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Published
May 23, 2011
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Roberto Cavalli says to keep suitors waiting

By
Reuters
Published
May 23, 2011

May 23 - Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli has a long line of suitors, but wants to deliver on its turnaround plan before looking at a sale or initial public offering, its chief executive said on Monday.

Roberto Cavalli
Taken from Roberto Cavalli's 40th Anniversary Celebratory book

"We have a long queue that is coming to us, because they can smell there is something positive going on," Gianluca Brozzetti told the Reuters Global Luxury and Fashion Summit in London.

He forecast retail revenues at the firm, known for its animal print designs and sensual dresses, would surge around 29-30 percent this year, lifted by strong demand from China, international travelers and expansion into accessories.

But he wants to complete a revamp of stores over the next 12-18 months, and deliver on a new licensing deal before talking to potential bidders or looking at a flotation.

"It is too early now. We want to talk when we have the credentials," he said.

The luxury goods industry is seeing a flurry of deals and IPOs as it bounces back from a long and deep recession and looks to capitalize on a boom in demand from emerging markets.

On Sunday, Austrian luxury goods group Labelux bought upscale shoemaker and retailer Jimmy Choo.

Brozzetti, recruited by Florentine designer Roberto Cavalli in 2009 following stints at Gucci Group PPR.PA and Louis Vuitton Paris, said it often made sense for individual brands to join a larger luxury house to fulfill their full potential.

Reporting by Mark Potter; Editing by David Cowell
(Additional reporting by Antonella Ciancio in Paris)

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