Sonia Rykiel May Be Selling A Minority Stake In Her Family-Owned Label

by Chloe Marmet | 6:13 pm, July 12th, 2011

Sonia Rykiel, the famed French fashion designer, has up until now kept things all in the family. But Women’s Wear Daily reports the designer, noted for her stripes and sweaters, is seriously considering selling minority stake in her 43-year-old label.

Nathalie Rykiel, Sonia’s daughter and president of the company, said she hoped the sale would speed the expansion of the brand. “I know that I can go much faster and further with outside help, but I am not even at the stage of contemplating whether the partner should be French or international.”

“I have only just started analyzing the possibility … I don’t know if it’s something I want to pursue, but I want to develop the brand. It has huge potential, in Asia obviously, but elsewhere also.”

Sonia Rykiel has been family-owned since its founding in 1968. The label is in talks with Edmond de Rothschild Corporate Finance chairman Laurence Dannon, who they specifically called on for advice because of his background in fashion.

Other big name design houses, including Prada, Michael Kors, and Salvatore Ferragamo, have been selling stakes in recent months. Since Sonia Rykiel posted sales of $118.9 million for 2010, and proved it’s still a relevant brand with a collaboration at H&M a few years ago, we imagine that if Nathalie decides to sell she’d have a few takers.

[WWD]

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