Investcorp

Investcorp is a global equity form founded in 1982. In the 1980s and 1990s, it owned all or part of Breguet, Chaumet, Ebel, Nouvelle Lemania, and Tiffany, attempted to re-start Jaquet-Droz, and also Saks Fifth Avenue and Gucci. Investcorp was one of the primary watch and luxury groups in the 1980s and 1990s.

History

Investcorp was set up in Bahrain by Nemir Kirdan of Iraq. Its aim was to invest Middle Eastern wealth in Western concerns, especially luxury brands.

1984 - Tiffany is acquired for $95 million 1987 - Breguet is acquired from Chaumet 1987 - Tiffany is floated as a public company 1987 - Chaumet is purchased out of bankruptcy due to fraud by the Chaumet brothers 1990 - Saks Fifth Avenue is acquired for $1.3 billion 1992 - Nouvelle Lemania is acquired 1988 - Half of Gucci is acquired 1993 - The remainder of Gucci is acquired 1994 - Ebel is acquired from its founding family 1994 - Dramatic and successful public license renewal for Gucci 1995 - 48.2% of Gucci is listed on the New York Stock Exchange 1996 - The remainder of Gucci is listed as a public stock, with Investcorp liquidating its holding the following year 1999 - Breguet and Nouvelle Lemania is sold to Swatch Group for a reported 250 million francs after Nicolas G. Hayek rejects buying Ebel and Chaumet as well 1999 - Ebel and Chaumet are sold to LVMH for $460 million