Prada, agenzia rinomata per l'alta moda, sta acquisendo Versace, un altro marchio di alta moda. L'operazione commerciale ha un valore di 1,25 miliardi di euro, pagati in contanti. L'accordo sarà finalizzato nell’autunno di quest'anno, purchè l’accordo è fatto legalemente. Donatella Versace e Dario Vitale, due personaggi importanti di Versace, lavoreranno per Prada a vario titolo. Prada promette di mantenere lo stile e la qualità di Versace. Questa acquisizione è di enorme importanza per la moda di lusso.
Well-known Italian fashion house Prada is acquiring 100 percent of Versace from Capri Holdings for €1.25 billion ($1.375 billion) in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital and net debt.
The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals. Prada plans to fund the acquisition with €1.5 billion in new debt, comprised of a €1 billion term loan and a €0.5 billion bridge facility.
The acquisition brings two style icons under the Prada umbrella. Prada, known for its understated elegance, and Versace, celebrated for its bold, sumptuous baroque aesthetic, creating a stronger Italian challenger to French giants like LVMH and Kering. Versace bolsters Prada’s portfolio with its vibrant aesthetic and celebrity appeal.
Creative shifts like naming Miu Miu alum Dario Vitale as Versace’s creative director following Donatella Versace’s move to chief brand ambassador ensure continuity while tapping fresh energy.
Prada negotiated the deal at a steep discount from Capri’s 2018 purchase of Versace for around $2.1 billion, reflecting Versace’s recent sales decline and broader market instability, possibly tied to tariffs and the “quiet luxury” trend.
Prada will integrate Versace into its vertically-aligned production and global retail network and has earmarked an additional €250 million in capital to rejuvenate the brand and its offerings.
Donatella Versace, after nearly 30 years leading the house, transitions to a strategic role as Chief Brand Ambassador, preserving the brand’s heritage and global presence. Dario Vitale, previously at Miu Miu, takes over as creative director aiming to balance Versace’s heritage with modern trends. Andrea Guerra (Prada’s CEO) and Patrizio Bertelli (Chairman) emphasize the need for a structured, patient evolution of Versace to tap its latent potential.
Capri Holdings saw its stock drop approximately 11 percent post-announcement, signaling market disappointment at the lower-than-expected sale price than anticipated from the failed $8.5 billion Tapestry acquisition. Analysts view the deal as a strategic win for Prada: Versace adds a dynamic brand to its lineup, while Capri refocuses resources on reviving its core Michael Kors business and reducing debt.
Final approvals expected by mid-to-late 2025. Prada will align operations, supply chain, and retail while maintaining Versace’s brand DNA.
The combined entity plans to significantly amplify Versace’s growth, supported by fresh investment, leadership, and strategic coherence.
Prada’s acquisition of Versace marks a pivotal moment in luxury – reinforcing Italy’s creative dominance, blending contrasting design languages, and setting the stage for a powerful transgenerational legacy.
With careful stewardship and aligned vision, the deal could define the next era for both brands.
