Italian Investment Fund Acquires Majority Stake in French Fashion Brand Sessùn business, fashion, fashion news

Italian investment company Quadrivio Group has acquired a 70% stake in the French women’s ready-to-wear brand Sessùn, marking a significant turning point for the bohemian-style label. The deal, executed through Quadrivio’s Made in Italy Fund II, was finalized with Experienced Capital Partners (ECP), which held a 42.4% stake in the company since 2017.

Sessùn, founded in Marseille in 1996 by designer Emma François-Grasset, has experienced steady growth under ECP’s guidance. The brand’s revenue climbed from €20 million in 2017 to an expected €70 million by the end of 2024, with EBITDA reaching €10 million.

With this acquisition, Quadrivio Group aims to further accelerate Sessùn’s international expansion. By 2028, the company projects sales exceeding €130 million, with 60% generated internationally.

«Sessùn is the leader in its segment and has strong distribution both in France and abroad, with a significant presence in Europe,» explains Alessandro Binello, Group CEO of Quadrivio. «The company’s situation is optimal. It’s a brand with the potential to go global. It needs to take a step forward in terms of size and accelerate internationally. With our network, we can certainly help it to take a new step.»

François-Grasset will remain a shareholder with a nearly 30% stake and continue her role as Managing Director and Artistic Director. This move represents Quadrivio Group’s first direct international investment in the fashion sector and their initial large-scale operation in France, signaling a strategic expansion into the European market. The group plans to open an office in Paris further solidifying its commitment to the region.

Emmanuel Pradère, Chairman of ECP, expressed satisfaction with the deal: «For us, this is a very good deal with an excellent return, above the average return achieved by investment funds.» He highlighted Sessùn’s impressive growth trajectory under ECP’s stewardship, achieving an average annual sales increase of 20%.

This acquisition demonstrates the growing interest of international investors in promising European fashion brands and underscores the potential for expansion within the accessible luxury segment. The collaboration between Quadrivio Group’s expertise and Sessùn’s established brand identity promises an exciting future for the French label on a global scale.