Marquee Brands announced a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in Roberto Cavalli 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, with DAMAC remaining a significant shareholder following completion of the deal.
Founded in Florence in 1970, Roberto Cavalli is recognized as one of Italy’s most iconic luxury fashion houses, known for avant-garde designs and Italian craftsmanship. The addition of Roberto Cavalli expands Marquee Brands’ portfolio of global brands, which includes Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, Sur La Table, BCBGMAXAZRIA, and Stance. The acquisition also increases Marquee Brands’ portfolio-wide retail sales to approximately $5 billion.
Marquee Brands said the partnership positions Roberto Cavalli for a new phase of global expansion and omnichannel growth. The company plans to introduce new categories, services, and experiential touchpoints across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
DAMAC will continue to expand Roberto Cavalli-branded residences and hospitality projects in key global markets. The collaboration combines Marquee Brands’ expertise in global brand management with DAMAC’s leadership in luxury real estate and hospitality.
As part of the transaction, Milan-based The Level Group (TLG) will become Marquee Brands’ core operating partner for Roberto Cavalli. TLG will oversee the development, manufacturing, and distribution of the brand’s women’s and men’s collections, while also managing retail, e-commerce, and wholesale distribution operations in Europe and the United States.
RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig acted as legal advisor to Marquee Brands. BDA Partners served as financial advisor to DAMAC Properties.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Heath Golden, CEO, Marquee Brands
“Roberto Cavalli is one of the most distinctive luxury brands in the world. After several years of solidifying the brand’s foundation, we set out to find a strategic partner with the skillset to take the brand to the next level. We are confident Marquee Brands is the right partner to do so. Given our love for the brand and meaningful ongoing shareholdings, we look forward to supporting Marquee Brands’ efforts, by among other things, continuing to expand the Roberto Cavalli lifestyle through branded residences and hospitality projects in premier global destinations, an area that remains fully owned and operated by DAMAC. This collaboration marks an exciting new era for the brand. We look forward to its significant future expansion.”
Hussain Sajwani, Founder, DAMAC Group
“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.”
Zachary Sigel, Managing Director at Neuberger and Co-Founder of Marquee Brands
