Marquee Brands Enters Strategic Partnership With DAMAC Group for Majority Interest in Roberto Cavalli

The Partnership Positions Roberto Cavalli for a New Phase of Global Expansion and Omnichannel Growth

Marquee Brands, the premier global brand management company and leading brand accelerator, today announced a definitive agreement for a majority interest in Roberto Cavalli, through a strategic partnership with DAMAC Group, the leading Dubai-based global conglomerate and luxury real estate developer. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, after which DAMAC Group will remain a significant shareholder. Founded in Florence in 1970, Roberto Cavalli the iconic luxury house celebrated for its avant-garde design and distinct Italian craftsmanship joins Marquee Brands’ portfolio of timeless global brands, including Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, Sur La Table, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Stance. The addition of Roberto Cavalli further strengthens Marquee Brands’ position as a leader in the luxury and lifestyle sectors, bringing total portfolio-wide retail sales to approximately US$5 billion.

“Roberto Cavalli stands as one of luxury’s defining Italian houses, with a bold creative identity and enduring brand ethos,” said Heath Golden, CEO, Marquee Brands. “We see extraordinary potential to build on that foundation through thoughtful brand stewardship and strategic expansion. In partnership with DAMAC, a leader in luxury real estate, we will continue to elevate the Roberto Cavalli experience worldwide.”

Hussain Sajwani, Founder of DAMAC Group, said: “Roberto Cavalli is one of the most distinctive luxury brands in the world. After several years of solidifying the brand’s foundation, we set out to find a strategic partner with the skillset to take the brand to the next level. We are confident Marquee Brands is the right partner to do so. Given our love for the brand and meaningful ongoing shareholdings, we look forward to supporting Marquee Brands’ efforts, by among other things, continuing to expand the Roberto Cavalli lifestyle through branded residences and hospitality projects in premier global destinations, an area that remains fully owned and operated by DAMAC. This collaboration marks an exciting new era for the brand. We look forward to its significant future expansion.” 

Marquee Brands, owned by funds managed by Neuberger, a global investment management firm, continues to scale its global platform by acquiring heritage brands with deep consumer resonance. Roberto Cavalli marks the twenty-second brand in Marquee Brands’ portfolio.

“Marquee Brands has established a proven, capital‑efficient business model for driving growth through disciplined brand management, strategic partnerships and a long-term investment horizon,” said Zachary Sigel, Managing Director at Neuberger and Co-Founder of Marquee Brands. “The acquisition of Roberto Cavalli reinforces Neuberger’s confidence in the platform and its ability to continue to create value for investors.”

The partnership between Marquee Brands and DAMAC expands the global reach of the Roberto Cavalli brand, bringing together their complementary strengths and shared commitment to elevating the legendary Italian maison. Marquee Brands will accelerate Roberto Cavalli’s growth by introducing new categories, services and experiential touchpoints across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

DAMAC will continue to scale the brand’s presence through Roberto Cavalli-branded residences and hospitality projects across key global markets, reinforcing the brand’s luxury position and desirability. The partnership creates a powerful platform that unites Marquee Brands’ expertise in global brand development with DAMAC’s leadership in luxury real estate and hospitality, unlocking significant new opportunities for the future of Roberto Cavalli. 

As part of the transaction, Marquee Brands announces Milan-based partner The Level Group (TLG) as its core operating partner. TLG will lead the development, manufacturing and distribution of the brand’s women’s and men’s collections, ensuring a unified and elevated product vision across key markets. In addition, TLG will assume responsibility for retail and e‑commerce operations and wholesale distribution in Europe and the United States, strengthening Roberto Cavalli’s direct-to-consumer presence and global retail strategy. 

RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig acted as legal advisor to Marquee Brands. BDA Partners served as financial advisor to DAMAC Properties.

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