Jolidon buys another Italian lingerie producer

Gabriel Carlig (photo), the creator of Jolidon, one of the few light-industry brands that has managed to achieve success abroad, has purchased Lilly Italia, which makes lingerie. This is the company’s second takeover on the Italian market. “The acquisition of Lilly Italia means the consolidation of Jolidon group on the European market. The takeover is of particular importance to the wholesale business of the company, both in Italy and in the EU,” Carlig told ZF. He would not reveal the value of the deal. Carlig, 40, says he will continue to buy companies on the European market over the coming years. Lilly Italia owns three brands (Lilly, Eclezia and Kelitha), and posted turnover worth around 20 million euros in 2007, up 15% on the previous year. The Italian firm makes about 6 million lingerie items a year. The takeover of Lilly Italia comes after Jolidon bought the majority interest in Italian Emmeci company (which owns the Infiore and Chiaro di Luna brands) last year. The Jolidon group ended 2007 with 60 million euros in turnover and company officials estimate growth this year will stand at 30%, whilst turnover will reach 80 million euros. “Besides the development of our retail operations and brands, the recent acquisitions will play a significant part in our growth,” Carlig explained. Jolidon’s investments on foreign markets began in 2000, when Jolidon Hungary KFT was established in Budapest.