Gucci, the luxury fashion powerhouse under the Kering Group, has solidified its control over its leather goods supply chain. Through its subsidiary, Gucci Logistica, the brand has acquired complete ownership of the Colonna Group, a long-time partner and leather supplier.
Gucci previously held a 51% stake in the group, and this latest move signals a strategic consolidation of its operations.
The Colonna Group oversees key tanneries, including Marbella Pellami, Conceria 800, and Falco Pellami, located in the Tuscan industrial district of Santa Croce sull’Arno.
This region, nestled between Florence and Pisa, is renowned as one of Italy’s premier hubs for tanning and leather manufacturing.
By taking full control of these facilities, Gucci strengthens its vertical integration and ensures tighter quality control over its iconic leather goods.
The acquisition was recently disclosed by Italy’s competition and markets authority (AGCM), which has approved the deal.
As part of the agreement, a five-year non-competition clause has been implemented for the Colonna Group’s shareholders, ensuring exclusive focus on Gucci’s operations.
Gucci and the Colonna Group have shared a robust partnership for decades. Gucci initially acquired a 51% stake in the group in 2019. The relationship between the two dates back to 2001, when they co-founded the Blutonic tannery as a joint venture.
The partnership grew further in 2013, when Marbella Pellami, under Colonna, acquired the Serbian tannery Ruma Fabrika Koze with Gucci’s support.
Kering played a pivotal role in the acquisition, rebranding the Serbian tannery as Luxury Tannery D.O.O.
This acquisition aligns with Kering’s broader strategy to control its leather supply chain.
The group already owns several prominent tanneries, including Caravel in Tuscany, known for tanning rare skins. Kering initially acquired a 51% stake in Caravel in 2001, eventually taking full ownership in 2015.
Kering also expanded its footprint in exotic leather with the acquisition of France Croco in 2013, a Normandy-based tannery specializing in crocodile skins.
These moves reflect Kering’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable and efficient supply chain for its luxury brands.
By consolidating its supply chain, Gucci ensures greater control over the sourcing, tanning, and production of high-quality leather.
This step not only enhances efficiency but also reinforces Gucci’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. With a direct hand in these operations, Gucci can maintain its reputation for excellence in the competitive luxury market.
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