Another big-name brand acquires a key supplier
24/07/2019
For the fourth time in six years, Chanel announced in mid-July the acquisition of a tannery, in this case Ponte a Egola-based Samanta.
On July 23, luxury footwear company Manolo Blahnik announced the acquisition of Calzaturificio Re Marcello, a Vigevano-based shoe manufacturer that has been producing high-end shoes for Manolo Blahnik since 1990.
This means that, for the first time since founding the brand in 1970, Manolo Blahnik will own a shoe factory.
Founded in 1938 and still run by the Re family, Calzaturificio Re Marcello employs 77 footwear craftspeople at its factory in the famous shoe-making town in Lombardy. The Manolo Blahnik group said this acquisition will help it fulfil its vision “for developing artisanal talent and nurture the art of shoe-making for future generations”.
As part of the acquisition, the current management team of Bruno Re and Giuse Galazzi will work alongside the Manolo Blahnik management team to ensure continuity.
Founder of the luxury shoe group, Manolo Blahnik, said on announcing the acquisition: “I have known the Re family for nearly three decades and have been a long-standing admirer of the business. I have enjoyed a close working relationship with them and all the skilled artisans in the workshop, as their ability to bring my designs to life turns fantasy into reality. I am enormously excited that this wonderful partnership can flourish and look forward to welcoming the family and employees into our company.”
Chief executive, Kristina Blahnik, added: “Calzaturificio Re Marcello is synonymous with craftsmanship of exceptional quality in our industry and we are delighted to have been able to bring such a valued partner into the Manolo Blahnik family. This acquisition will be our first atelier and manufacturing facility, creating greater creative and operational flexibility for the future of our business.”
For his part, Bruno Re said: “Ours is a family business, carefully built over many years, using the finest materials, techniques and artisanal skills. I would like to thank Manolo, Evangelina (his sister) and Kristina (his niece) for their long-term confidence in our products. They share our values for quality and tradition. Together we can create a lasting legacy. It is our deep pleasure to be sealing our bond with the Blahnik family.”
Share this story:
