Blackstone keen on Cavalli

Global private equity giant Blackstone is one of five buyout firms believed to be bidding for Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli. The designer is selling a stake in the company, with a offers due by mid-May. It is not known whether Cavalli is selling a majority or minority stake.

The Carlyle Group, CVC Capital Partners, Cinven and Candover have also been connected with the deal.

According to Italian news agency Radiocor, Florence-headquartered Cavalli is expected to be valued at over US$2.18bn (€1.4bn).

Candover owns another Italian luxury goods business – Ferretti, the yacht maker.