The key facts
- The Armani heirs see an IPO as a way to retain control over the fashion house
- About 15% of the company is planned to be sold by March 2027
- Contenders for stakes include L'Oréal and EssilorLuxottica; the business is valued at 5–7 billion euros
Heirs choose the stock market over selling to a single conglomerate
The heirs of Italian designer Giorgio Armani prefer to take the fashion house he founded, Giorgio Armani, public rather than hand control to one of the major global conglomerates — this way they hope to preserve the company's independence. This was reported by Reuters, citing two sources, familiar with the owners' plans.
How the deal might proceed
According to the agency, the heirs are considering selling an initial stake to several investors at once: this approach is meant to rule out a scenario in which one buyer gains an advantage in any further redistribution of ownership. The main contenders for stakes are said to be the French cosmetics company L'Oréal and the Franco-Italian eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica; both corporations are interested in maintaining long-term licensing agreements for perfumes and eyewear under the Armani brand.
Timeline and company valuation
Under Giorgio Armani's will, the heirs must sell about 15% of the company within 12–18 months of the designer's death — the deal is planned for before March 2027. Negotiations with potential buyers are already underway, but no final agreements have been reached. The next stage envisages either selling an additional stake of 30% to 54.9%, or listing the shares on the stock market; if the second option is chosen, the IPO must take place within three to eight years of the founder's death. Reuters sources note that the company is not facing financial difficulties that would force a rushed sale, and bankers and consultants value it at 5–7 billion euros.
Russian context
The Armani brand is also connected to a personnel story in the Russian beauty market: the former head of Lancôme and Giorgio Armani Beauty Anna Larina has taken the helm of the Riv Gosh retail chain, replacing Edgar Shabanov as managing director. Before this appointment, she worked on developing premium cosmetics brands, including Armani Beauty, and began her career at L'Oréal's Russian division.
