• Strategic investment to support Golden Goose’s global growth following continued strong financial performance
Milan and London, 28 January 2025 - Golden Goose Group S.p.A (“Golden Goose” or “the Group”), a leading brand of luxury sneakers, apparel and accessories, today announced a c. 12% strategic minority investment in the Group from Blue Pool Capital (“Blue Pool”), a Hong Kong-based investment firm and family office. Funds advised by Permira, the global investment firm, will retain a majority investment in Golden Goose. The transaction was negotiated and agreed shortly after the Group’s decision to postpone its planned IPO in June 2024 and was completed today.
Founded in 2000, Golden Goose is a Next Gen global luxury brand operating at the intersection of luxury, lifestyle and sportswear. In 2020, funds advised by Permira acquired a majority stake in Golden Goose with a vision to partner with management to accelerate growth through direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, in particular online and retail, diversify the product assortment and support the Group’s mission to become a category leader in sustainability. Since 2020, Golden Goose has achieved strong growth, more than doubling revenues and building a community of approximately 2 million customers. Golden Goose is present in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and APAC, with over 200 stores and a strong online and wholesale distribution network.
The investment from Blue Pool Capital comes amid a period of strong financial performance for Golden Goose, despite a challenging market backdrop for the luxury sector. In the 9M to September 2024, the Group reported 12% cFX year-on-year revenue growth and 11% adjusted EBITDA growth, driven primarily by performance of the DTC channel, growing 18% cFX year-on-year.
The new capital commitment from Blue Pool is a significant milestone for Golden Goose and a testament to the Group’s financial performance and potential as a global luxury brand. Blue Pool’s deep expertise in the sports, entertainment and consumer industries, coupled with its deep knowledge of the APAC market, will help the Group further expand its reach and deepen the bond between Golden Goose and its large and growing community of customers.
Oliver Weisberg, CEO of Blue Pool Capital, will join the Golden Goose Board of Directors.
Silvio Campara, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Goose, said: “We warmly welcome Blue Pool Capital as a strategic partner in our journey to redefine luxury. This partnership reflects the strength of our brand and the incredible global community of Dreamers we have built. With Blue Pool’s expertise, their deep connections in the US and APAC, and their impressive portfolio in sports investments, we will push the boundaries of our dream.
Together, we will accelerate our growth through innovation while continuing to deliver unique, authentic experiences to our community.”
Oliver Weisberg, CEO of Blue Pool Capital, commented: “We are huge believers in Golden Goose and its management team – and its positioning at the intersection between luxury and sportswear is truly unique. We look forward to adding value beyond our financing to support Silvio and the great Golden Goose team as they unlock the brand’s full potential.”
Francesco Pascalizi and Giorgio Dinaro at Permira, commented: “We are excited to welcome Blue Pool Capital as new partners on the journey with Silvio and the Golden Goose team. We are convinced that Blue Pool’s strong track record and global reach will further enhance the potential of Golden Goose as a unique luxury brand.”
J.P. Morgan and BofA Securities acted as equity financial advisors to Permira. Maisto & Associati acted as tax advisor and Giliberti, Triscornia & Associati acted as legal advisor to Permira.
