GUCCI GROUP N.V. AGREES TO SELL BEDAT & CO
February 26, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Amsterdam, 25 February 2009 -Gucci Group N. V., one of the world’s leading multi brand luxury goods companies, today announces that it has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of Bedat & Co, the Geneva-based Swiss watchmaker, to Luxury Concepts Watches & Jewellery Sdn Bhd, the Malaysia-based brand management company, in partnership with Viviane Fankhauser, current acting-CEO of Bedat & Co.
Bedat & Co will continue to design, market and sell luxury Swiss watches under the Bedat & Co brand.
Gucci Group acquired Bedat & Co in December 2000 as a niche young monoproduct brand in the luxury timepiece business.
Robert Polet, President and CEO of Gucci Group said: “Together with LuxuryConcepts and Viviane Fankhauser we have reached a good deal for all parties concerned. Since its acquisition, Bedat & Co developed particularly in the United States and Asia, however, it didn’t reach the level of performance we were expecting. Joining LuxuryConcept with its expertise in distributing niche high-end watches in East Asia, Bedat & Co is set to become a strong player in their markets.”
Frank Low, CEO of LuxuryConcepts said: “I am excited at the opportunities that lie ahead for Bedat & Co. and am delighted that we will be able to build upon the legacy that has been created at the brand and to develop its potential further.”
About Gucci Group
Gucci Group N.V. is one of the world’s leading multi-brand luxury goods companies. Through the brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Boucheron, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, the Group designs, produces and distributes high-quality personal luxury goods, including ready-to-wear, handbags, luggage, small leather goods, shoes, timepieces, jewellery, ties and scarves. Also, under license from global industry leaders, eyewear and fragrances, cosmetics and skincare products. The Group directly operates stores in major markets throughout the world and wholesales products through franchise stores, duty-free boutiques and leading department and specialty stores. Gucci Group is owned by PPR, a global player in retail and luxury goods. Shares in PPR are traded on the Euronext Paris (# 121485, PRTP.PA,PPFP).
About LuxuryConcepts
LuxuryConcepts (www.luxuryconcepts.com.my) is a specialist brand management company established in 2005 and focused on introducing and managing highly specialized watch and jewellery brands to the East Asian market. The company currently operates four individual brand concept boutiques in Starhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur, including a dedicated Bedat & Co. boutique. The company is governed by the laws of Malaysia.
GUCCI GROUP AND SAFILO GROUP ANNOUNCE RENEWAL OF EYEWEAR LICENSE AGREEMENTS FOR GUCCI, BOTTEGA VENETA AND ALEXANDER McQUEEN
November 10, 2008 by admin · Comments Off
Padova, 10th November 2008 – Gucci Group, one of the world’s leading multi-brand luxury goods companies, and Safilo Group, a leader in high-end and luxury designer eyewear, announce the extension of the license agreements for the production and worldwide distribution of branded eyeglass frames and sunglass collections for Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen.
The renewals extend the Gucci brand contract to 2018, Bottega Veneta to 2010 and Alexander McQueen to 2013. These agreements are a testament to Gucci Group and Safilo Group’s strong professional relationship, as shown by Gucci’s extension of the license prior to its natural expiry. The business relationship between the two groups began with the presentation of Gucci’s first eyewear collection in 1989.
Robert Polet, President and CEO of Gucci Group, said: “We are delighted to continue our long and highly successful collaboration with Safilo. The success of Gucci Group brands’ designer eyewear is a reflection of the unique design and quality execution of our many products over the last 20 years we have partnered with Safilo. Safilo’s consistent respect for the spirit, heritage and exclusivity of these Gucci Group brands has made them a wonderful partner to work with. We look forward to building further on this strong foundation as we continue to expand our eyewear business in the years ahead.”
Massimiliano Tabacchi, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Safilo Group, said: “We are very proud that one of the most long standing and successful partnerships in the luxury sector, that between Gucci Group and Safilo, has today been renewed. Gucci is one of the most famous and desired brands in the world and this agreement allows both groups to focus on common values and strengths, such as the quality of product and distribution, through a strong and exclusive brand image. The target we have set ourselves for the upcoming years is to further strengthen the brand’s leadership in all worldwide markets.
Furthermore, we are satisfied to be able to continue the partnership started in 2002 with two of the most prestigious Gucci Group brands; Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen, which, with their distinctive product and differing target consumer, both fit perfectly into our brand portfolio.”
MARK LEE TO STEP DOWN AS CEO OF GUCCI – PATRIZIO DI MARCO WILL BE NAMED IN THE POSITION – AS OF JANUARY 2009
September 17, 2008 by admin · Comments Off
Amsterdam, 16 September 2008 – Gucci Group announces today the nomination of Patrizio di Marco (currently President and CEO of Bottega Veneta) to the top position at the Gucci brand. This follows Mark Lee’s decision not to renew his contract at its expiry on December 31st, 2008.
Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Stella McCartney will become President and CEO of Bottega Veneta. Read more
Gucci, at the peak of desire
June 4, 2008 by admin · Comments Off
Gucci has just been named as the most desirable luxury brand in a wide-reaching international online survey conducted by the Nielsen Group.
When it comes to the most desired luxury brands, Gucci is unquestionably leading the way. This is the key point from the results of a major online survey conducted by the Nielsen Group at the end of 2007.
To the question, “Which luxury brand would you choose if money was not a problem?”, one person in five surveyed answered Gucci. The Institute questioned over 26,300 consumers in 48 markets around the world. Read more
