Hermès Takes Minority Stake in Italy’s Lanificio Colombo to Bolster Vertical Integration

PARIS – Hermès International has acquired a 15 percent stake in Italian mill Lanificio Colombo, the company confirmed to WWD.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lanificio Colombo, which is renowned for its ultra-fine cashmere and noble fibers, is known as the supplier behind Hermès’ most exquisite shawls and knitwear.

Italian daily Corriere della Sera first reported the news.

The move highlights Hermès’ long-term vertical integration strategy to increase control over its supply chain. Rather than relying solely on external suppliers, Hermès has sought strategic partnerships and minority shareholdings to ensure quality across its métiers. The firm also holds a minority stake in the namesake brand of its shoe designer Pierre Hardy.

Piedmont-based Lanificio Colombo has expertise in weaving “noble fibers” such as vicuña, guanaco, camel hair and kid cashmere. Now managed by the second and third generations of the Colombo family, the company operates two sites in Borgosesia and Ghemme, Italy, and reported around 100 million euros revenue in 2024 with net profit of 7.9 million euros.

While the terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, governance will not change: the Colombo family retains control with Hermès joining as a strategic partner.

For Hermès, the investment comes amid continued momentum in its ready-to-wear division, with the category up 6 percent in the third quarter. Chief Financial Officer Éric du Halgouët previously emphasized that, while most of the group’s production is based in France, select Italian partners bring exceptional know-how in textiles and leather goods.

In 2019, Lanificio Colombo completed an 8 million euro investment cycle to modernize its facilities, including a new dyeing plant, water recycling systems and energy-saving machinery to position itself as one of the world’s most advanced textile mills.