Italian luxe label Giuseppe Zanotti could be the latest footwear player on the block.
The brand’s owner, Vicini SpA, has reportedly appointed adviser Rothschild to complete a strategic review of the business. Bloomberg first reported news of a potential sale on Wednesday, citing sources that said the company could fetch more than $400 million.
After speculation surfaced about a possible deal, financial insiders contacted by Footwear News said a number of private equity bidders could be interested, including London-based Permira Funds, which recently purchased Dr. Martens for 300 pounds, or $484.9 million at current exchange rates. Sources also suggested that Lion Capital, Warburg Pincus and U.K.-based Phoenix Equity Partners could be interested in pursuing the company.
Outside the private equity realm, others said LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton could potentially take a look, given its ambitions in the women’s footwear category and its recent acquisition of a majority stake in London-based brand Nicholas Kirkwood.
Spokespeople for Vicini and Rothschild did not return calls seeking comment.
