Lacoste heirs acquire Fusalp skiwear

By

Bruno Joly

Published
Jan 9, 2014

Following Fusalp's efforts to attract capital in 2013, the ski brand reported last December that it was negotiating with investors. That is now a done deal. The company is starting off the year with some very famous shareholders. Sophie and Philippe Lacoste now have a majority stake in the upscale skiwear brand founded in 1952 by tailors in Annecy, France.

The news, initially reported by Sport-Guide, was confirmed yesterday morning. Sophie Lacoste-Dournel is the former president of the board of directors of Lacoste SA, whose founding family and heirs sold their shares to Swiss group Maus Frères in 2012. Her brother,Phillipe, also held a management role at the company known for its crocodile logo. They are both now at the helm of Fusalp, an SME with 8 million euros in sales. However, the brand's repositioning in the luxury market and its history offer great potential. "For the company, this is a great opportunity to remain French. Moreover, the buyers understand the culture of brand's heritage and have plans for the future," said Joel Gleyze, managing director at Fusalp since 1984 who became the company's sole owner in 2006.

Alexander Fauvet was appointed managing director. He spent fourteen years at Lacoste where he was involved in international marketing, distribution and licensing. Joel Gleyze will remain on board until the end of the year as deputy managing director to oversee the transition.