La Perla could accept majority stakeholder as it continues search for investors

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Apr 22, 2013

After the 2008 takeover by American investment firm JH Partners, Italian premium lingerie brand La Perla is opening up its capital to new investors in order to drive development. Goldman Sachs and law firm Latham and Watkins have been entrusted with the mandate.

According to Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, shareholders are debating whether they will accept a majority stakeholder in order to raise funds as quickly as possible. Over the past few months, JH Partners had been seeking a minority stakeholder but had no luck.

The brand did not wish to comment on the information but has confirmed that it is in contact with several investors. “La Perla is looking to find a partner to launch the brand’s long-term development but is still in the selection process,” the company said in a statement.

The group reported revenue of 110 million euros in 2012, a slight decline of 4% on the previous year. Following the restructure after the brand was taken over by JH Partners, the company reduced its workforce at its headquarters in Bologna.

From a selection of around 20 brands, the company chose to focus its activity around just two: La Perla and Studio La Perla, a more affordable line which just opened its first stores in Italy. The company also owns mens line Nero La Perla.