How Much Did Michael Kors Pay for Versace?

When it comes to fashion, there are few brands as iconic as Versace. Founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, the luxury Italian fashion house quickly became known for its bold, colorful designs and signature Medusa logo. So when it was announced in 2018 that Michael Kors had acquired the brand for a whopping $2.12 billion, the fashion world was abuzz with speculation.

How much did Michael Kors pay for Versace?

The official purchase price for Versace was $2.12 billion. This included both the fashion house’s ready-to-wear and accessories divisions, as well as its home line. The acquisition also included the brand’s extensive real estate holdings, including its flagship store on Milan’s Via Montenapoleone.

While $2.12 billion may seem like a lot of money (and it is), it’s worth noting that this is actually a relatively modest sum compared to some other recent fashion acquisitions. For example, in 2017, Coach (now known as Tapestry) bought Kate Spade for $2.4 billion.

However, what made the Versace acquisition particularly interesting was not just the price tag but also what it meant for both brands.

The significance of the acquisition

For Michael Kors, acquiring Versace represented an opportunity to expand its reach into high-end luxury fashion. While Kors has long been known for its affordable luxury handbags and accessories, it has struggled to break into the upper echelons of high fashion.

By acquiring Versace – a brand known around the world for its glamorous designs and celebrity fans – Michael Kors hoped to position itself as a serious player in the luxury market.

For Versace, meanwhile, joining forces with Michael Kors meant gaining access to more resources and infrastructure than it had before. While Versace had always been a successful brand in its own right, it had faced some challenges in recent years, particularly following the death of founder Gianni Versace in 1997.

Joining forces with Michael Kors gave Versace the opportunity to tap into Kors’ vast resources, including its extensive retail network and expertise in brand management. It also gave Versace the chance to reach a wider audience than it had before, particularly among younger, more fashion-forward consumers.

  • The future of Versace under Michael Kors

So what does the future hold for Versace under Michael Kors? Only time will tell, but so far, things seem to be going well. In the wake of the acquisition, Michael Kors announced plans to expand Versace’s retail footprint and invest in new product categories such as home goods and children’s wear.

At the same time, however, both brands have been careful to emphasize that Versace will remain its own entity within the larger Michael Kors portfolio. Donatella Versace – who took over as creative director after her brother’s death – has remained at the helm of the brand and has continued to design collections that are true to the Versace legacy.

The bottom line

All in all, Michael Kors’ $2.12 billion acquisition of Versace was a major move that shook up the fashion world. While it remains to be seen exactly how this partnership will play out over the long term, it’s clear that both brands are committed to working together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of either brand or simply interested in fashion news and trends, it’s worth keeping an eye on what happens next for these two iconic names.