In a move that is unprecedented in the fashion world, Italian luxury house Prada has said it has bought out rival Versace for €1.25 billion. The acquisition is set to transform the high-end fashion market by bringing together a new luxury powerhouse with revenues over €6 billion.
The purchase represents one of the biggest mergers in the history of European fashion, seeking to combine the creative potential and international reach of both timeless brands. Prada and Versace will continue to maintain separate identities but under an umbrella group.
Prada executives say the tie-up will release enormous synergies between supply chains, distribution networks, and digital innovation, keeping the group competitive with global fashion conglomerates LVMH and Kering.
Industry experts see the deal as a strategic and daring maneuver that puts the new luxury giant in a position to ride changing consumer trends and access growing markets with renewed strength and gravitas.