breaking: Chinese Buyer Secures Debt Financing for Golden Goose Takeover
A debt package of roughly €800 million to €900 million is being assembled to back a bid by HSG, the investment arm once known as Sequoia Capital China, for the Italian luxury sneaker maker Golden Goose Group spa. The financing is led by a trio of top banks and is expected to draw additional lenders as the deal progresses.
Five key lenders, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., and UBS Group AG, are spearheading the proposed debt package. The structure is anticipated to rely on high‑yield bonds or floating‑rate notes in line with Golden Goose’s existing debt profile, according to peopel familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Singapore’s Temasek Holdings Ltd will take a minority stake in Golden goose, while Permira maintains a minority position. The seller remains private equity firm Permira, which had previously owned the brand after acquiring it from the founder group. The deal value for Golden Goose was reported to be slightly above €2.5 billion in late 2025.
The planned financing is slated to launch for investor bookings toward the end of the first quarter. If completed,the debt package could attract a broad base of high‑yield and Asian investors seeking exposure to a globally recognized luxury label backed by an Asian owner.
Comment requests from representatives for the banks involved, Golden Goose, HSG, and temasek were not promptly returned. Permira also did not respond to requests for comment.
The transaction stands as one of the most prominent European luxury brand acquisitions by a Chinese buyer this year, ahead of Prada SpA’s roughly €1.25 billion purchase of Versace.
Key Facts At A glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Buyer | HSG (formerly Sequoia Capital China) |
| Target | Golden goose Group SpA (Italian luxury sneaker maker) |
| Seller | Permira Holdings LLP (private equity) |
| Financing size | Approximately €800 million to €900 million in debt |
| Lead banks | Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, UBS |
| Expected instrument | High‑yield bonds or floating‑rate notes |
| minority investment | Temasek Holdings will take a minority stake in Golden Goose; Permira retains a minority interest |
| Estimated company value (public report in Dec) | Just over €2.5 billion |
| Timeline | Debt package launch to investors by end of Q1 |
Evergreen Context And Implications
The deal underscores a growing appetite among Chinese buyers for European luxury brands, pairing established brands with financing structures that blend private equity ownership with global debt markets. If the financing closes,Golden Goose woudl join Prada and other luxury houses in a wave of cross‑border consolidation that blends European craftsmanship with Asian capital and strategic backing.
Beyond Golden Goose, the arrangement illustrates how senior lenders are increasingly agreeable funding cross‑border takeovers in the luxury sector, leveraging high‑yield instruments to support large‑scale deals. For European brands, the trend signals both prospect and heightened scrutiny around governance, brand protection, and financial risk in a more globally connected market.
Looking ahead, the convergence of high‑quality brands, private equity capital, and robust debt markets could reshape competition in the luxury space. Market watchers will be watching closely for how this deal influences pricing,deal structuring,and the pace of cross‑border acquisitions in 2026.
Reader Questions
- What impact do you think Chinese ownership will have on Golden Goose’s brand strategy and international expansion?
- Could this financing model become a template for future luxury labels seeking cross‑border acquisitions?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us how you think European luxury brands should respond to growing cross‑border investment.
