Armani: the 15% stake could be split among multiple partners.

The initial transfer of a 15% stake in the Armani group, as outlined in the will of founder Giorgio Armani who passed away on September 4 of last year, could be divided among multiple partners. This was confirmed by CEO Giuseppe Marsocci on the sidelines of the Giorgio Armani spring-summer 2027 fashion show at the Armani Teatro in Milan.

Marsocci explained that the will indicates possible partners but does not stipulate that it must necessarily be a single entity. The group remains in contact with the three potential investors mentioned in the document: LVMH, L'Oréal, and EssilorLuxottica, which are already licensees of the brand. The CEO clarified that a decision has not yet been made and there is no preference among the three groups.

Regarding the timeline, Marsocci confirmed that the transfer will take place within 18 months of the designer's passing, as stipulated in the will. He also spoke about the recent appointment of Dario Vitale to lead Emporio Armani and the accessories line of Giorgio Armani, emphasizing that accessories represent one of the group's growth areas.

The story originates from the disappearance of Giorgio Armani, which occurred on September 4th of last year. The founder of the famous fashion group left a will containing precise provisions for the future of his company, including an obligation for his heirs to sell an initial 15% stake within 18 months of his death.

The will does not merely impose the sale but also provides guidance on potential buyers, identifying three major luxury and beauty groups: the French giant LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), the world leader in cosmetics L'Oréal, and the eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica. These companies are not strangers to Armani, as they are already its licensees, meaning they produce and distribute certain products under its brand based on commercial agreements.

In the months following his disappearance, rumors circulated speculating about an offer split among these three groups. Today, the current CEO Giuseppe Marsocci has officially opened the door to this possibility, confirming that the will does not bind the company to a single buyer. The current situation therefore sees the Armani group in negotiations with these three parties, while proceeding with normal business activities, as demonstrated by the fashion show and internal managerial appointments, awaiting the definition of the sale operation within the established timeframe.