An Italian newspaper reports that the Versace group is on the verge of announcing its sale to an American company for 2 billion euros ($2.4 billion).
Corriere della Sera reported Monday, without citing sources, that the announcement could come as early as Tuesday. Bloomberg and Reuters news agencies later reported the buyer would be fashion group Michael Kors, which has been trying to burnish its image and last year bought high-end shoemaker Jimmy Choo for $1.35 billion.
Versace declined to comment on the reports.
The Italian brand, which was founded by Gianni Versace and has been run by his heirs since his murder 21 years ago, had been eyeing a public listing for several years.
Donatella Versace is the brand’s creative driver. She presented her latest collection for next spring and summer last Friday during Milan Fashion Week, and was honored on Sunday by the Italian Fashion Chamber.
