The decision was not yet that of New York

Three months after the establishment of a recovery plan, the House Christian Lacroix continues to arouse the interest of investors. Three foreign groups, including a Fund, have made contact in recent weeks with its owners, the Falic group. The commercial court of Paris had chosen in December the continuation plan presented by the latter, shareholders of Lacroix five years, to save the company, without a reliable bid. "We are not looking for a buyer, provides Nicolas Topiol, CEO of Lacroix. For six months, we have tried to find a solution to preserve the maximum amount of jobs, including selling, this is no longer the case today. However, if a solid offer, we will study it. "The Sheikh of the Emirate of Ajman, which was said ready to redeem the claw after his judicial relief, gave more signs of life since mid-January. And the Falic brothers did not wish to respond to the offer of Bernard Krief Consulting partnership, without financial guarantees.

The priority of the President and CEO of the House is to boost sales. The couturier Christian Lacroix, without a hundred small hands and executives dismissed late December. Only 12 employees have been preserved, stylists and heads of product for an activity that boils down to the management of licences which until then barely weighed 10 of turnover. Haute couture and ready-to-wear women's clothing have been shut down. Lacroix has recorded 12 million euro of losses in 2008 with a turnover of 26 million 20, with liabilities estimated at EUR 43 million.

"Our"business model"did not work." We had difficulty selling ready-to-wear and accessories too related to a universe of exception and non-perennial collections, is the leader. We're on a new basis with a brand with strong potential. "The absence of the couturier is a handicap in this stimulus "Many homes work well without their original creator, Givenchy to Balenciaga.". We will not make the Lacroix without Lacroix, but give a new direction.

Four new contracts

In addition to licensing ready-to-wear men, dresses brides and the fragrance, she already, the company has won 4 new contracts for 2010. The claw will give its name to a collection of stationery (notebook, calendar...) signed with the American Libretto and glasses with company anglo-hong-Kong Mondottica. It also starts in the decoration with the French company Marotte, specializing in the top range wood veneer, and the British Guild for upholstery fabrics. Other licenses are to come, particularly in the universe men, watches or jewelry. The relaunching of female ready-wear, sensitive subject because the couturier no more putting it paw, was postponed. With this new model of development, that the success of Pierre Cardin, Lacroix put on a return to balance this year. "The long-term licensing could generate royalties EUR 15 million", said Nicolas Topiol. The House therefore starts on a new basis, with a reduced after the 13 million and debt repayable over 10 years.

It increasingly holds a considerable heritage, the mark Lacroix itself, and collections haute couture, is close to 3,000 pieces, dresses or hats. An estimated total package to about EUR 40 million. "It is a very attractive asset, recognizes the CEO. The balance sheet is cleaned and the brand globally known. "Lacroix also decided to start selling its two Parisian shops. The decision was not yet that of New York.