Corneliani
Investcorp (majority shareholder) · Italy
Corneliani is an Italian men's tailoring company based in Mantua, with roots in a 1930s raincoat business. Wikipedia reports that Bahrain-based Investcorp has held a majority stake since 2016. It matters as one of Italy's larger tailored menswear manufacturers.
| Founded | 1930 (per Wikipedia) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Alfredo Corneliani |
| Headquarters | Mantua, Italy |
| Majority owner | Investcorp (since 2016, per Wikipedia) |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
| Website | corneliani.com |
What is Corneliani?
Corneliani S.p.A. is an Italian menswear maker specialising in suits and sportcoats. Its registered office is in Milan and its operational headquarters is in Mantua, where core products are still made.
History
Alfredo Corneliani began a small raincoat and coat business in the 1930s, and Wikipedia gives 1930 as the founding year. The company was formally set up in Mantua in 1958 by his sons Claudio and Carlalberto. Corneliani USA was established in New York in 1985 to serve the United States and Canada.
Ownership
Wikipedia reports that Investcorp acquired a 55% stake in June 2016, after which Carlalberto Corneliani stepped down as chief executive. Later reports on the stake held by other shareholders are not clear, so the ownership description here is limited to the majority position.
Products and positioning
The brand offers ready-to-wear and made-to-measure tailoring. About 600 tailors, seamstresses and pattern makers are reported to work in Mantua.
Business model and distribution
Corneliani uses a mix of channels:
- Own boutiques, including flagships in Milan (1997), London (2008) and Shanghai (2013)
- Wholesale and department stores such as Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's
- An online store, with a US version launched in 2018
- Shop-in-shops in UK department stores
Why it matters
Corneliani is a case of an Italian family tailoring firm that moved to financial investor ownership while keeping its production base in Mantua. It remains a visible name in department store menswear.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Corneliani?
Wikipedia reports that Investcorp, the Bahrain-based investment group, acquired 55% of Corneliani in June 2016. The founding family is no longer involved in running it.
Where is Corneliani from?
Corneliani is from Mantua in northern Italy, where the company has its operational headquarters and still produces core items.