Giuseppe Zanotti has repurchased his 30% minority stake in his namesake footwear brand from LVMH-backed private equity fund L Catterton to regain total ownership, according to a press release.
The move signaled the “start of a new chapter,” and the brand will now move forward with a refreshed strategy, the privately owned company said in the release.
Throughout the partnership with L Catterton, the Giuseppe Zanotti brand expanded its global presence and invested in innovation, retail and digital development, per the release. The transition to full ownership would “ensure continuity in the company strategy.”
Giuseppe Zanotti said that moving forward, the company would focus on product innovation, heritage, brand identity, and distribution across both physical and digital channels.
“I’m grateful to LCatterton for their support and collaboration over the years,” Zanotti said in the release. “This is both a return to my roots and a step towards the future, allowing the brand to shape its long-term growth with complete independence. Fashion is about freedom and creativity — I’m excited to lead this next phase with the same energy, dedication, and passion as always.”
Giuseppe Zanotti was founded in 1990 as Vicini SpA, and its namesake designer acquired 100% of the company in 1994. The brand is available in more than 60 countries through boutiques and select retailers.
In 2014, the private equity firm now called L Catterton purchased its minority stake in Vicini SpA, the owner of the Giuseppe Zanotti Design brand. At the time, the deal was made by L Capital Management and L Capital Asia, and the two private equity companies were sponsored by LVMH.
The company now called L Catterton was formed in 2016 following the completion of a partnership between Catterton, LVMH and Group Arnault. L Catteron owns a majority stake in multiple fashion companies including Birkenstock, A.P.C. and Etro, and a venture or minority stake in companies including Pepe Jeans, Third Love and Tod’s Group.
