Richemont acquires Italian leather brand Serapian

1 min readUpdated May 27, 2025Nov 16, 20173:00 AM

In this article (4)

Swiss luxury goods holding company Richemont Group has bought out Italian leather supplier Serapian, with the purchase price not disclosed.

A managing director is to be appointed, with the founding Serapian family no longer a stakeholder. However, it will continue to fill key roles in the company.

Richemont’s relationship with Serapian dates back to the 1970s when the Milanese firm supplied leather to Richemont brands Cartier and Dunhill, along with Azzedine Alaia, Chloe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lancel and Piaget.

Richemont plans to develop Serapian and use it across its portfolio as well as supplying leather to outside luxury brands. Other areas of development include bespoke items.

Serapian’s collections are all made in Italy, in a Milanese atelier that includes a laboratory, and in a factory on the outskirts of Milan.

AdvertisementAdvertise with usMobile 320×100

What this means

Richemont's Serapian acquisition is a deliberate step to bolster its supply chain and product offering. By fully integrating a long-term supplier, Richemont gains tighter control over quality and bespoke production, similar to Lululemon's focus on international retail concepts and community spaces to enhance brand experience. This vertical integration pressures rivals who rely on external suppliers, potentially driving up material costs or limiting customisation options. However, managing the delicate balance of Serapian's heritage with Richemont's scale poses a risk. This move solidifies Richemont's luxury position, echoing Panpuri's ambitious 16-store Asian expansion to capture market share. We will now watch for the appointment of Serapian's new managing director.

Sarah Chen · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

Will the Serapian family still be involved in the company?

Yes, the founding Serapian family will no longer be stakeholders but will continue to fill key roles within the company.

What are Richemont's plans for Serapian?

Richemont plans to develop Serapian, use its products across its portfolio and supply other luxury brands. Bespoke items are another area for development.

What is the history of the relationship between Richemont and Serapian?

Richemont's relationship with Serapian began in the 1970s, when Serapian supplied leather to Richemont brands such as Cartier and Dunhill.

Reader pulse

Is Richemont's Serapian acquisition a smart vertical integration move?

18,845 votes so far