Ben Sherman owner Marquee Brands acquires Roberto Cavalli

Global brand management company and owner of British brands Ben Sherman and Laura Ashley, Marquee Brands, has “entered a definitive agreement” to acquire a majority interest in Roberto Cavalli.

The Italian fashion house, which was founded in Florence in 1970 and is celebrated for its avant-garde designs and distinct Italian craftsmanship, will become the twenty-second brand in Marquee’s portfolio and “the pinnacle of its Luxury Platform”.

The deal is being achieved through a strategic partnership with DAMAC Group, the Dubai-based global conglomerate and luxury real estate developer.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, after which DAMAC Group will remain a significant shareholder.

Marquee will lead Roberto Cavalli’s global growth, building on the house’s bold Italian luxury codes and unlocking new categories and market opportunities worldwide.

Meanwhile, The Level Group (TLG), the Milan-based omnichannel operating partner, will manage women’s and men’s collections, handbags and footwear across Europe and the United States.

TLG will also assume responsibility for retail and e-commerce operations and wholesale distribution in Europe and the US, strengthening Roberto Cavalli’s direct-to-consumer presence and global retail strategy.

Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, headquartered in New York, said: “Roberto Cavalli stands as one of luxury’s defining Italian houses, with a bold creative identity and enduring brand ethos.

“We see extraordinary potential to build on that foundation through thoughtful brand stewardship and strategic expansion. In partnership with DAMAC, a leader in luxury real estate, we will continue to elevate the Roberto Cavalli experience worldwide.”

The addition of Roberto Cavalli further strengthens Marquee Brands’ position as a leader in the luxury and lifestyle sectors, bringing total portfolio-wide retail sales to approximately $5 billion (£3.7 billion).

Marquee Brands, owned by funds managed by Neuberger, a global investment management firm, continues to scale its global platform by acquiring heritage brands with deep consumer resonance.

Managing Director at Neuberger and co-founder of Marquee Brands, Zachary Sigel, said: “Marquee Brands has established a proven, capital-efficient business model for driving growth through disciplined brand management, strategic partnerships, and a long-term investment horizon.

“The acquisition of Roberto Cavalli reinforces Neuberger’s confidence in the platform and its ability to continue to create value for investors.”

In November, Marquee Brands, which opened a new UK headquarters in Hammersmith, London last summer, added California-based lifestyle and performance sock brand Stance to its growing portfolio.

It formed part of a new partnership with United Legwear and Apparel Co. (ULAC), which has now become Stance’s global licensee, managing operations across all territories apart from China.