Michael Kors Buys Versace Fashion House For $2.12 Billion

Fashion company Michael Kors is buying Versace, the Italian luxury brand founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, for $2.12 billion. The two fashion houses made the announcement Tuesday, one day after speculation spread about a potential deal.

Donatella Versace, the artistic director of the Milan-based fashion house who helped lead the company after her brother’s death in 1997, said it’s the perfect time for the company to join with Michael Kors.

“It has been more than 20 years since I took over the company along with my brother Santo and daughter Allegra,” Donatella Versace said in a news release. “I am proud that Versace remains very strong in both fashion and modern culture.”

Donatella will continue to lead Versace’s “creative vision”, said Michael Kors chief executive John Idol.

Mr Idol said Versace represented the “epitome of Italian fashion luxury” and its acquisition was an important milestone for the company, which is being renamed Capri Holdings.

Private equity firm Blackstone Group, which bought a 20% stake in the firm four years ago, will sell its holding.

The new owner plans to increase the number of Versace outlets from 200 to 300 stores.

It also plans to more than double turnover to $2bn, partly by boosting the percentage of footwear and accessories – a category that is often more affordable and faster-selling – from 35% to 60% of revenues.