Revenues rocket in 2013 for Gianni Versace

REPORT_ Italian high-end fashion house Gianni Versace closed 2013 enjoying a 17.2 percent increase in

revenues, which came in at 479.2 million euros. Net profit grew 27.6 percent to 10.9 million euro, compared to 8.5 million euro in 2012.

EBITDA, due to currency fluctuations increased 59.7 percent to euro 71 million euro and accounted for 14.8 percent of total revenues.

Chief executive Gian Giacomo Ferraris said that the brand's potential is finally coming through after four years of restructuring the company, which was close to bankruptcy in 2004.

It´s worth a note that the brand´s revival under Ferraris attracted private-equity firm Blackstone Group to invest 210 million euros into the Italian fashion house, buying a 20 percent stake in February. The Versace family remains the main shareholder.

"While 2013 was extremely successful, as we delivered a solid top and bottom line performance for the fourth consecutive year," said the CEO, "and we have started 2014 with great momentum and expect positive results."

Beyond the Italian market, retail sales in the US market took the lead by growing by 32.2 percent during 2013. In Asia, retail sales increased by 18.5 percent (and 13 percent in Greater China) and in Europe, sales increased 8.1 percent. The main engine of growth continues to be Versace Prima Linea, which accounts for 60 percent of retail and wholesale sales combined.

"Our attention is focused on the global growth of Versace and its brands. We have in place specific strategies for each of them, the development of digital products and retail expansion. We are determined to achieve our goals as well as strengthen and increase customer experience," advanced Ferraris, who also added that "This year will be devoted mainly to investment, so the real impact of such investments will come next year particularly, but also in 2016."