M&A and investment activity continues to dominate the fashion and luxury industries, with a rise in deal volume driven by ongoing consolidation, digital acceleration, and rising pressure on margins. From strategic acquisitions to tech-driven funding rounds, the landscape is increasingly shaped by players aiming to future-proof their operations and expand global reach. Big-name deals over the past several years have brought Tiffany & Co. under the umbrella of LVMH (after the two companies managed to put their rival lawsuits to bed and come to agreeable terms under which French conglomerate could acquire the famed New York-based jewelry stalwart); ridded Richemont of loss-making Yoox Net-a-Porter; and saw Farfetch acquired in a rescue deal by Korea e-commerce giant Coupang.
These moves come amid growing urgency around consolidation, with giants like LVMH, Kering, and Richemont sharpening their portfolios and tech stacks. Sources close to recent transactions suggest more tie-ups are in the pipeline, especially as mid-sized brands and service providers look for scale or exit opportunities in a high-cost, high-competition environment.
“Whether it’s automation, data-driven pricing, or owning more of the value chain, the current deal flow shows the industry’s pivot toward resilience and agility,” says one sector analyst. As fashion grapples with evolving consumer behavior, cost pressures, and digital disruption, the M&A and funding landscape is set to remain active well into 2025 and beyond.
A Timeline of Transactions
With the foregoing in mind, here is a running timeline of the most recent fashion and luxury-focused M&A and investments dating back to LVMH’s headline-making deal with Tiffany & Co. …
Apr. 10, 2025 – Prada Acquires Versace in €1.25 Billion Deal
Prada Group will acquire 100 percent of Versace from Capri Holdings in a deal valued at €1.25 billion. The acquisition will bring the storied Italian fashion house under Prada’s ownership following months of industry speculation and exclusive talks between the two companies. Donatella Versace, who has led the house since her brother Gianni Versace’s death in 1997, recently vacated the creative director position, and Dario Vitale, formerly of Miu Miu, stepped into the role on April 1.
The transaction, which remains subject to closing adjustments, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Prada Group’s position in the global luxury market.
Apr. 8, 2025 – Middle West Partners Acquires Majority Stake in David Webb
Middle West Partners has acquired a majority stake in David Webb, the American jewellery house known for its bold designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Founded in 1948, the brand operates stores in New York, Beverly Hills, and Doha, and has built a loyal clientele drawn to its archival-rich, statement-making pieces.
The investment, made alongside co-investor Pop Capital, signals a long-term growth strategy focused on expanding David Webb’s retail footprint, marketing efforts, and team. James Weiss, who has advised the company since 2017, has been appointed CEO.
Former owner Mark Emanuel will retain a minority stake and remain actively involved in the business.
Apr. 3, 2025 – Frasers Group Increases Hugo Boss Stake
UK-based Frasers Group has deepened its investment in Hugo Boss, expanding its stake in the German luxury fashion house through the sale of additional put options. The group now directly holds 13.5 million shares, representing a 19.2% stake, with the potential to raise its total holding to 23.7% if all options are exercised. Frasers’ maximum aggregate exposure to Hugo Boss stands at approximately €1.02 billion, based on the latest closing price. “This investment supports our strategy of building strong partnerships across the retail sector,” the company stated.
As part of its growing involvement, CEO Michael Murray has been nominated for election to Hugo Boss’s supervisory board at its May 2025 general meeting, further cementing Frasers’ role as a strategic stakeholder amid shifting dynamics in the luxury market.
Apr. 3, 2025 – New Look Secures £30M in New Funds
UK high street giant New Look has landed a £30 million investment from shareholders to accelerate its digital transformation and sharpen its online customer experience. With eyes on the £4.3 billion UK online womenswear market, the retailer plans to double digital orders to £1 billion by 2030 and capture a 10% online market share by FY28. Already a category leader in dresses, outerwear, footwear, and denim, New Look boasts 300+ stores and over 10 million engaged customers.
The new funding will fuel further personalisation, app optimisation, and digital upgrades—building on five years of tech investment, including a proprietary Enterprise Data Platform and a 7-million-strong social media following.
Apr. 2, 2025 – True Classic Raises New Funding
True Classic, a fast-growing online menswear brand known for its affordable, high-quality basics, has received a strategic investment from 1686 Partners, the private equity firm launched by David Wertheimer. The funding marks True Classic’s first external capital raise since its founding in 2019 and values the company at approximately $850 million. With this new backing, the brand plans to strengthen its supply chain, scale up retail efforts, and expand its marketing reach to support continued growth in the competitive menswear space.
Mar. 21, 2025 – Alanui Founders Buy Back Stake from NGG
Carlotta and Nicolò Oddi, co-founders of luxury Italian knitwear label Alanui, have regained full control of the brand after reacquiring the majority stake previously held by New Guards Group (“NGG”), the Milan-based fashion powerhouse owned by Farfetch. With this move, Alanui will now independently oversee all aspects of its operations and distribution, marking a significant shift as the brand charts its future course. Beginning with the S/S 2026 season, Alanui will manage direct distribution of its collections from a new Milan showroom. In a joint statement, the Oddis emphasized plans to bolster the brand’s global presence while maintaining the exquisite craftsmanship that defines Alanui’s identity.
The transition follows financial instability at NGG, whose future became uncertain after Farfetch’s acquisition by Coupang and subsequent reports of unpaid royalties and bankruptcy protection proceedings in Italy.
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