Oakley Capital has acquired a 60% stake in Immaginazione Srl, the holding company behind luxury Italian design brand Fornasetti, in a deal aimed at scaling the historic firm into a global lifestyle business.

Founded by Piero Fornasetti in the 1940s and now led by his son, Barnaba Fornasetti, the Milan-based atelier is known for its distinctive surrealist aesthetic and enduring creative legacy. Under Barnaba’s direction, the brand has expanded its reach through new product lines and international collaborations.

“This agreement marks a significant moment of transformation,” said Barnaba Fornasetti. “Our identity and creative vision will always remain at the core, strengthened by new energies and skills.”

Oakley Capital, which has a track record of investing in premium European brands such as Alessi and Globe-Trotter, plans to accelerate Fornasetti’s global expansion. Vicente Castellano, Oakley’s operating partner, described the investment as a strategic step in unlocking the brand’s untapped potential.

The transaction reinforces a growing trend of private equity backing heritage design and luxury brands with strong global appeal and scalability.

Source: WWD

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