Is Gucci Still Family Owned?

Gucci, the Italian luxury fashion brand, is one of the most recognized and revered names in the industry. Founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, it has become synonymous with high-end fashion and accessories.

Over the years, Gucci has undergone several changes, including its ownership structure. In this article, we will explore whether Gucci is still family-owned or not.

A Brief History of Gucci

Guccio Gucci started his business in Florence, Italy as a small leather goods and luggage store. It quickly gained popularity for its quality craftsmanship and unique designs. In the 1950s and 1960s, under the leadership of Aldo Gucci, one of Guccio’s sons, the brand expanded globally and became a symbol of luxury.

In 1983, the company faced a major setback when it was hit by a scandal involving tax evasion and bribery. This led to a decline in sales and loss of reputation for the brand.

The Acquisitions

In 1989, Maurizio Gucci, another son of Guccio Gucci’s established himself as the chairman of the company. However, he was later ousted by his own family members who sold their shares to Investcorp – Bahrain-based investment company.

In 1993 Investcorp took over as majority shareholders and made significant changes to boost sales including appointing Tom Ford as creative director in 1994. Tom Ford changed up the look with bold new designs that were an instant hit with consumers.

After that in 2004 French luxury goods conglomerate Kering (then known as PPR) purchased a majority stake in Gucci from Investcorp for $6 billion USD.

Is it still family-owned?

So after all these acquisitions is it still family-owned? The answer is no.

As mentioned above Kering, a French multinational conglomerate, owns Gucci. However, it’s worth noting that the Gucci family still has a small stake in the company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gucci is no longer family-owned. The brand has undergone several transformations since its inception and is now part of the Kering Group. Despite this change in ownership, the brand continues to thrive and remain at the forefront of luxury fashion.