Prada S.p.A. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of rival Italian brand Versace for about €1.25 billion in cash from Capri Holdings.

“The cash consideration, based on an Enterprise Value of €1.25 bn, is subject to adjustments at closing,” said Prada.

The transaction will be funded by €1.5 billion of new debt composed of €1 billion term loan and €500 million bridge facility.

Capri Holdings said the sale of Versace is expected to deliver a number of benefits, including the strengthening its balance sheet and to enable Capri to make accelerated strategic investments in Michael Kors. Capr also owns Jimmy Choo.

“Founded in 1978 in Milan, Versace is one of the leading international fashion design houses and epitome of Italian luxury worldwide,” said Prada.

“Building on a remarkable brand awareness, Versace stands as a distinctive asset in the luxury landscape. Deeply rooted in the history of fashion, the brand displays strong potential to read contemporaneity and marked sensibility in capturing and anticipating the spirit of today’s and future society.

“With its highly recognisable aesthetic, the brand constitutes a strongly complementary addition to the Prada Group’s portfolio and displays significant untapped growth potential leveraging multiple value creation levers.

“Within the Prada Group, Versace will maintain its creative DNA and cultural authenticity, while benefitting from the full strength of the group’s consolidated platform, including industrial capabilities, retail execution and operational expertise.”

Patrizio Bertelli, Prada Group Chairman and Executive Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Versace to the Prada Group and to build a new chapter for a brand with which we share a strong commitment to creativity, craftmanship and heritage.

“We aim to continue Versace’s legacy celebrating and re-interpreting its bold and timeless aesthetic; at the same time, we will provide it with a strong platform, reinforced by years of ongoing investments and rooted in longstanding relationships.

“Our organisation is ready and well positioned to write a new page in Versace’s history, drawing on the Group’s values while continuing to execute with confidence and rigorous focus.”

Prada CEO Andrea Guerra said: “The acquisition of Versace marks another step in the evolutionary journey of our group, adding a new dimension, different and complementary.

“The group’s infrastructure is strong, we have verticalised our brands’ organisations and reinforced our routines and processes.

“We feel ready to open this new chapter. Versace has huge potential. The journey will be long and will require disciplined execution and patience. The evolution of a brand always needs time and constant focus.

“I would like to thank Capri Holdings for having preserved and enhanced the heritage of this wonderful brand. Notwithstanding the sector uncertainties, we look at the future with confidence, focused on a long-term strategic vision.”

The transaction has been approved by both Prada S.p.A.’s and Capri Holdings’ boards of directors and is expected to close over the course of the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG and Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, Succursale Italia are serving as financial advisors and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel to Prada Group. BNP Paribas and Intesa acted as underwriting banks of the financing.

Capri Holdings CEO John Idol said: “Versace is an iconic Italian fashion luxury house founded 46 years ago by Gianni Versace and further developed under the creative vision of Donatella Versace. Over the last six years, we have made tremendous progress in repositioning the brand to place greater emphasis on its luxury heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.

“Through elevated product, marketing and store enhancements, the brand is now well positioned for sustainable long-term growth. We are confident that Prada Group is the perfect company to further guide Versace into its next era of growth and success …

“This transaction reflects our commitment to increase shareholder value, strengthen our balance sheet and power the future growth of Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo. We will continue to execute on the strategic initiatives shared at our recent Investor Day and remain confident in the long-term growth potential of Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.”

Barclays is serving as Capri Holdings Limited’s financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is its legal advisor.