Smythson: Heritage Brand Joins Oakley Capital's Luxury Ranks
Deal News | Jul 01, 2025 | Finance Community IT - 3 Private Equity
Tivoli Group, an independent Italian company specializing in the development and production of leather goods, has sold its ownership of the English brand Smythson of Bond Street to Oakley Capital. Greenwill Holding also co-owned Smythson since 2009. Smythson, founded in 1887 and renowned for its luxury leather goods and stationery, will join Oakley's Iconic BrandCo, a platform dedicated to luxury and heritage brands. The holding includes brand such as Alessi, Globe-Trotter, and Connolly, and has recent investments in Fornasetti and Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano. As part of this acquisition, Tivoli Group will continue its support to Smythson in its production and development. Belluzzo International Partners acted as the global advisor, while Casella e Associati provided legal assistance to Tivoli Group. Charles Russell Speechlys coordinated legal matters for Greenwill Holding. Tivoli Group's CEO, Stefano Giacomelli, expressed confidence in Oakley as an ideal partner for Smythson’s global growth, noting their expertise with luxury brands. Tivoli Group intends to invest the proceeds to enhance its core business and focus on growth with its diverse luxury clientele.
Sectors
- Luxury Goods
- Private Equity
- Manufacturing
Geography
- Italy – Tivoli Group, the seller of the Smythson brand, is based in Italy.
- United Kingdom – Smythson, the brand being acquired, is a prominent British brand.
Industry
- Luxury Goods – The acquisition involves Smythson, a brand known for its luxury leather goods and stationery.
- Private Equity – Oakley Capital, a private equity firm, is involved in acquiring the Smythson brand.
- Manufacturing – Tivoli Group specializes in the production of leather goods and will continue to support Smythson in development.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tivoli Group | Vendor | Company | Italian company specializing in the development and production of leather goods. |
| Oakley Capital | Buyer | Private Equity Firm | Private equity firm acquiring Smythson to integrate into their luxury brand portfolio. |
| Smythson of Bond Street | Target | Company | Iconic English brand known for luxury leather goods and stationery. |
| Greenwill Holding | Vendor | Company | Co-owner of Smythson with Tivoli Group since 2009. |
| Belluzzo International Partners | Advisor | Company | Global advisor for the transaction. |
| Casella e Associati | Legal Advisor to Tivoli | Company | Provided legal assistance to Tivoli Group for the transaction. |
| Charles Russell Speechlys | Legal Advisor to Greenwill | Company | Handled legal matters for Greenwill Holding. |