Renzo Rosso is eager to spend and has once again spoken of new investments. After his bid for Versace — never accepted, despite being “in line with the final agreement” — the OTB founder has not been discouraged. He has reactivated his strategic dossiers and confirmed that fresh opportunities are piling up on his desk. Backed by a spending capacity of EUR 1.25 billion (he noted he had offered a sum for the Medusa label comparable to what Prada ultimately paid), Rosso is looking ahead with a selective approach. No compulsive shopping sprees, but only “cool” brands — bold, distinctive and with a strong identity. Meanwhile, as the stock market listing is postponed to the “right moment”, the Veneto-based group is preparing for its next move.
Rosso’s appetite for acquisitions
After the failed Versace deal, Renzo Rosso has reiterated that OTB is not interested in acquisitions “just for the sake of buying”. Speaking to La Repubblica on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebrations, he explained that the group is carefully monitoring a number of brands, while recognising that many “are not for sale”. His focus, he stressed, is solely on cool, daring labels with a strong identity, capable of reflecting OTB’s creative DNA. Among the names circulating — at least following the Prada–Versace deal — was Etro. The Milanese house, famed for its prints and heritage but struggling of late, could still be a target. OTB certainly has the expertise: Rosso has already shown his ability to turn acquisitions into success stories, as with Jil Sander, which returned to profitability within just twelve months thanks to the group’s production strength and focus on supply chain excellence.
IPO on hold
Another chapter concerns the group’s potential IPO. “The listing is a project we have been nurturing for some time and it will happen at the right moment. Market valuations are at their lowest in the past ten years, so it would make little sense now. But going public is the right path for the company, which will outlive me and my family, for my managers and for all my employees”, Rosso emphasised. His aim? To ensure continuity for the group, bring managers and staff in as shareholders, and secure a long future for OTB.
Photo: OTB
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