The Chinese group, Gangtai, has just acquired an 85% stake in the capital of the Italian jeweler Buccellati, founded in 1919. In 2013, the family had already let go of its majority shareholding to the Italian investment fund Clessidra SGR, which enabled it to further develop its turnover internationally. Meanwhile, Buccellati had to leave its historic location on Place Vendôme after LVMH bought the building. These recent events show just how difficult it can get for independent companies, even when in good health, to withstand the power of large international groups.
