Permira in talks with China's HongShan on $3 billion Golden Goose sale, sources say

MILAN (Reuters) -Private equity firm Permira is in advanced talks with China's HongShan Capital Group (HSG) to sell Italian luxury sneaker maker Golden Goose at a valuation of over 2.5 billion euros ($3 billion), two sources close to the matter said on Wednesday, confirming Italian newspapers' reports.

HSG and Permina declined to comment.

Private equity firm HSG, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, invests globally in the technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. It established an office in London last year to tap into late-stage and buyout deal opportunities in Europe.

Golden Goose, which sells sneakers for more than 500 euros a pair, has undergone multiple leveraged buyouts by private equity firms in the last decade, with investors attracted by its rapid growth.

It was valued at 1.3 billion euros when it was acquired by private equity firm Permira in 2020.

Last year the Venice-based company shelved plans for an initial public offering on the Milan Bourse, citing market volatility caused by political uncertainty in Europe.

Golden Goose's revenues totalled 655 million euros in 2024, with an adjusted core profit (EBITDA) of 227 million euros.

Earlier this year Blue Pool, a Hong Kong-based investment firm backed by Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai, bought a 12% stake in the company.

($1 = 0.8575 euros)

(Reporting by Elisa Anzolin, editing by Giselda Vagnoni and Elaine Hardcastle)