Gucci is a globally recognized luxury brand that has been in existence since the early 20th century. The brand has undergone numerous transformations over time, from its humble beginnings as a small leather goods store to becoming one of the most influential fashion houses worldwide.
However, amidst all the fame and fortune, there’s still a question that lingers in the minds of many, “Who is the real owner of Gucci? “.
Gucci’s Early Days
Guccio Gucci founded the brand in Florence, Italy, in 1921. At that time, Gucci was simply a small store that sold leather goods such as luggage bags and horse riding equipment.
Guccio’s goal was to create a brand that exuded luxury and sophistication. After some years of consistent hard work and dedication, Gucci became one of Italy’s most sought-after brands.
The Rise of The Gucci Empire
The 1950s marked a turning point for Gucci when it launched its first handbag collection. This collection was a huge success and propelled Gucci into becoming an international luxury fashion house. By the 1980s, the brand had expanded to include clothing lines for both men and women.
In 1993, Maurizio Gucci (grandson of Guccio) sold his shares in the company to Investcorp (a Bahrain-based investment company). This sale marked a new era for the brand as it began to undergo significant changes.
The Current Ownership Structure
Currently, Kering Group (formerly known as PPR) owns Gucci. Kering is a French multinational corporation that specializes in luxury goods such as clothing, jewelry, and watches. Kering acquired Gucci in 1999 through an aggressive acquisition strategy that saw them acquire several other luxury brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga.
Today, Kering is one of the largest players in the luxury goods market, with Gucci being its flagship brand. The current CEO of Gucci is Marco Bizzarri, who has been instrumental in implementing various successful strategies that have seen the brand’s revenue grow significantly.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Gucci has come a long way from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential luxury brands globally. While the brand has undergone numerous changes over time, it’s currently owned by Kering Group, a French luxury conglomerate. The success of Gucci can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of its founders and subsequent leaders who have ensured that it remains a pinnacle of luxury and sophistication.