New handover for the "Bruno Magli" of Bologna, historic company of footwear, accessories and ready to wear. After seven years, the English of Forteleus Capital Management (assisted by consultants Leonardo & Co) are leaving the scene ed enters the Swiss investment company Da Vinci Invest.
The Swiss track was a last-minute surprise, given that the London fund had been negotiating the sale for some time with a Korean consortium, also made up of Eland and CDB Capital, owners of Mandarina Duck, another well-known Bolognese brand, in need of a relaunch and bought a few months ago.
Even the footwear company, after the splendor with the Magli family, who had founded it in the 900s, was almost on the brink of collapse. But in recent times the brand has recovered, gaining new prestige in the high-end of Made in Italy. Thanks, at least in part, to the creative director Max Kibardin who, for now, remains his position, with almost all of the management. Instead, the managing director changes: the Swiss have called Manfred Ebensberger in place of Armin Mueller. Ebensberger believes the new ownership will help the company accelerate plans to expand its product range and develop its worldwide sales network, according to Reuters.
In 2012 Bruno Magli's turnover was 45 million euros and the operating margin returned positive. For now it seems that the headquarters remain in Italy. Two years ago the Bologna production was closed and 40 employees remained in the capital, for the technical and administrative part.
