Italian luxury footwear maker Golden Goose Group is in advanced discussions to sell a roughly 10 percent minority stake to the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), people familiar with the matter said, as the company lines up investors ahead of a potential public listing. The talks, first reported by local media and industry sources, involve the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar acquiring a slice of the Milan‑based brand, which is valued at around €2.5 billion following a majority takeover late last year.
Golden Goose, known for its handcrafted luxury sneakers and lifestyle products, has in recent years attracted strong institutional interest, culminating in December 2025 when Hong Kong‑based investment firm HSG took majority control with backing from Singapore’s Temasek Holdings and other minority investors, while Permira and other stakeholders retained smaller positions.
The potential QIA deal, if concluded, would add another heavyweight investor to Golden Goose’s cap table and provide additional capital as the company prepares for broader global expansion and a possible initial public offering on the Milan bourse in the coming months, market watchers said. Bloomberg reported that the sovereign fund is preparing to commit to the transaction, subject to due diligence and board approval.
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Analysts view the move as part of a broader trend of Gulf sovereign capital targeting European luxury brands with strong growth profiles. The QIA, which manages hundreds of billions in assets and has previously invested in a range of global companies, including luxury and financial services assets, sees the stake as a strategic long‑term position rather than a controlling investment.
Golden Goose’s financial performance has underpinned investor confidence: after years of revenue growth and retail expansion, the firm has broadened its direct‑to‑consumer footprint and internationally diversified its store network while maintaining its artisanal identity. Its iconic distressed‑style sneakers remain a staple in premium fashion segments across Europe, the United States and Asia.
Golden Goose declined to comment. A spokesman for the Qatar Investment Authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Financial terms of the negotiations could not be learned.
