Is Versace a Privately Held Company?

Versace is a well-known and iconic Italian fashion brand that has been around since the late 1970s. The company has made its mark in the fashion industry with its high-end clothing, accessories, and fragrances.

One question that often comes up in conversations about Versace is whether it is a privately held company or not. In this article, we will explore this question in detail.

What Does Privately Held Mean?

Before we delve into whether Versace is a privately held company or not, it’s important to understand what the term means. A privately held company is one that is owned by private individuals, rather than by public shareholders. This means that the ownership of the company is not traded publicly on stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq.

Is Versace a Privately Held Company?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Versace is a privately held company and has been so since its inception. The company was founded by Gianni Versace in 1978 and has remained under the control of the Versace family ever since.

The Versace Family

The Versace family owns 80% of the company’s shares, with Donatella Versace (Gianni’s sister) holding a 20% stake. Donatella currently serves as the Vice President and Artistic Director of the brand, while her daughter Allegra inherited a 50% stake in the company from her uncle Gianni after his death.

The Acquisition by Michael Kors

In 2018, Michael Kors Holdings Limited acquired Versace for $2.12 billion USD. However, despite this acquisition, Versace remains a privately held company as Michael Kors Holdings Limited itself is a private holding company.

Advantages of Being Privately Held

There are several advantages to being a privately held company, including:

  • More Control: As the company is privately owned, the owners have more control over its operations and decision-making processes.
  • Less Pressure: Private companies are not subject to the same level of scrutiny as public companies, which means they can focus on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.
  • Less Disclosure: Unlike public companies, privately held companies do not have to disclose as much information about their financial performance and operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Versace is a privately held company that has remained under the control of the Versace family since its inception. While it was acquired by Michael Kors Holdings Limited in 2018, it remains a privately held company. Being a privately held company has several advantages, including more control over operations and less pressure to deliver short-term gains.