On September 25th, 2018, Michael Kors announced that it had acquired Versace for $2.12 billion. This news came as a shock to many in the fashion industry and left people wondering why Versace would sell its brand to Michael Kors. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons behind this decision.
The Financial Situation of Versace
One of the main reasons behind this acquisition was the financial situation of the Italian fashion house. Donatella Versace, the company’s vice president and artistic director, had been looking for ways to further grow and expand the business.
It was reported that in 2016, Versace brought in revenue of €686 million but had a net loss of €7.4 million. This showed that while the company was generating substantial revenue, it was still struggling to turn a profit.
Michael Kors’ Expansion Strategy
Michael Kors has been on an expansion spree for quite some time now. They have been acquiring smaller brands like Jimmy Choo and Kate Spade to diversify their product offerings and appeal to a wider audience. The acquisition of Versace is just another step in this expansion strategy.
Increased Exposure
Versace is a well-established brand with significant global recognition. The acquisition by Michael Kors will allow them to expand their reach even further by tapping into Versace’s customer base who may not have previously been interested in Michael Kors products.
Diversification of Product Offerings
Versace is known for its luxury clothing and accessories, which complement Michael Kors’ existing product lines nicely. With this acquisition, they can now offer a wider range of high-end products to their customers.
The Risks Involved
While there are many potential benefits to this acquisition, there are also risks involved. One of the main risks is that Michael Kors may dilute the Versace brand by making it more accessible to a wider audience. The exclusivity of the brand may be lost, which could damage its reputation.
Integration Challenges
Another challenge that Michael Kors may face is integrating the two brands. Versace has a distinct aesthetic and image that must be preserved, and it remains to be seen whether Michael Kors can do this successfully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many reasons why Versace decided to sell their brand to Michael Kors. While there are potential risks involved, both brands stand to benefit from this acquisition. It will be interesting to see how Michael Kors manages the integration of Versace into their business model and whether they can maintain the exclusivity and high-end appeal of the brand.