Sports Station India Private Limited (SSIPL), the India licensee of various foreign brands, is in talks with DLF, the country’s largest real-estate developer, to reach an agreement on luxury brands business.
Being discussed is SSIPL’s entire portfolio of super luxury brands, which, after talks, is likely to land in DLF’s hands.
If industry sources are to be believed, DLF is eyeing Salvatore Ferragamo and Fratelli Rossetti brands, license to which lies with SSIPL.
Rishab Soni, managing director, SSIPL, confirmed Indiaretailing that the talks are on, though he denied sharing more information saying, “The talks with DLF are on and we are looking at diversifying the luxury business, which involves many brands. I cannot comment on it now, but the company will share details on the developments soon.”
A corporate communication executive from DLF said: “The company is in talks with many companies for luxury brands franchisees and SSIPL is one of them. The company is not sharing more information on this.”
SSIPL had recently announced a joint venture with Genesis Colors for management of its luxury brands. This JV called Genesis Luxury has brands like Canali, Aigner and Satya Paul in its portfolio.
On the other hand, DLF is in process of tying up with various luxury brands for Emporio, which is expected to be the first luxury mall in the capital. Some of the top brands to have shops at the mall include Armani, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Cartier and Versace.
– Ranjan Kaplish