Who Owns Balenciaga?
Balenciaga is owned by Kering, a publicly traded French luxury goods company traded on Euronext Paris under ticker KER. Kering acquired Balenciaga in 2001 for approximately $330 million, and the brand continues to operate from its headquarters in Paris, France, while maintaining its position as a prestigious luxury fashion house.
Parent Company
Kering
Acquired
2001
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Paris, France
Who Owns Balenciaga?
- Parent Company: Kering
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2001
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: Euronext Paris: KER
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Balenciaga | Kering | Wholly owned |
History of Balenciaga
- Founded: 1919
- Founders: Cristóbal Balenciaga
- Acquired by Kering: 2001
Balenciaga was founded in 1919 by Cristóbal Balenciaga in San Sebastián, Spain. The designer established the brand to create haute couture known for innovative design, architectural silhouettes, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Balenciaga gained recognition for revolutionary designs that challenged fashion conventions while maintaining sophisticated elegance. The brand became renowned for its innovative approach to tailoring and silhouette design.
The 1950s and 1960s saw Balenciaga expand its influence in haute couture, becoming one of the most respected fashion houses in the world. The brand was known for its architectural approach to design and its influence on contemporary fashion.
In 1968, Cristóbal Balenciaga retired, and the brand underwent various ownership changes. In 1997, the brand was acquired by the Gucci Group, and in 2001, Kering (then PPR) acquired Balenciaga as part of its expansion into luxury fashion.
Under Kering's ownership, Balenciaga has continued to innovate under creative directors including Nicolas Ghesquière and Demna Gvasalia, bringing contemporary vision to the brand while respecting its heritage of innovative design and architectural excellence.
About Kering
Kering is a publicly traded French luxury goods holding company founded in 1963 by François Pinault, headquartered in Paris, France. Under CEO Luca de Meo, Kering trades on Euronext Paris (KER) and owns prestigious brands including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta. The company reported 2025 revenue of €14.675 billion (down 13% as reported, 10% comparable) with recurring operating income of €1.631 billion, forecasting return to growth and margin improvement in 2026.
- Founded: 1963
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: Euronext Paris: KER
Where Is Balenciaga Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Manufacturing / Operations: Spain, France, Global manufacturing partners, International production facilities
Brands Owned by Kering
- Alexander McQueen - British luxury fashion house known for haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accesso...
- Bottega Veneta - Italian luxury fashion house known for leather goods, ready-to-wear, and accesso...
- Boucheron - French luxury jewelry house known for fine jewelry, high jewelry, and accessorie...
- Girard-Perregaux - Swiss luxury watchmaking brand known for fine watches, innovative timepieces, an...
- Gucci - Italian luxury fashion house known for high-end clothing, handbags, shoes, and a...
- Pomellato - Italian luxury jewelry brand known for contemporary design, colorful gemstones, ...
- Puma - German multinational athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories brand, the thir...
- Saint Laurent - French luxury fashion house known for haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessor...
- Ulysse Nardin - Swiss luxury watchmaking brand known for innovative marine chronometers, fine wa...
Balenciaga Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Spanish heritage and iconic design legacy dating back to 1919
- +Recognition for innovative design and architectural silhouettes
- +Excellence in haute couture and contemporary fashion
- +Access to Kering's extensive resources for innovation and expansion
- +Global distribution through Kering's luxury retail network
- +Strong creative direction balancing heritage with contemporary design
Considerations
- -Ultra-premium pricing accessible only to wealthy consumers
- -Production concentrated in developed countries increases manufacturing costs
- -Supply chain dependencies on luxury material sourcing and specialized craftspeople
- -Competition from other Kering-owned luxury brands within the same portfolio
- -Environmental scrutiny regarding luxury fashion production practices
- -Regulatory oversight of luxury goods and sustainability standards
Frequently Asked Questions About Balenciaga
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Balenciaga on AmazonCompetitors to Balenciaga
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tods Group | Italy | 1935 | Mass Market | Europe | All Genders | |
| Lvmh | France | 1946 | Luxury | Europe | All Genders | |
| Lvmh | Italy | 1925 | Luxury | Europe | All Genders | |
| Lvmh | France | 1952 | Luxury | Europe | All Genders | |
| Essilorluxottica | USA | 1994 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Schiaparelli
Owned by Unknown Company
Italian luxury fashion house specializing in haute couture and ready-to-wear clothing, revived in 2012 and owned by Diego Della Valle, chairman of Tod's Group.
Dior
Owned by LVMH
French luxury fashion house founded in 1946 by Christian Dior, owned by LVMH and operating across haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, fragrance, and beauty.
Fendi
Owned by LVMH
Italian luxury fashion house known for leather goods, haute couture, and innovative design.
Givenchy
Owned by LVMH
French luxury fashion house known for haute couture, ready-to-wear, and beauty products.
Supreme
Owned by EssilorLuxottica
American streetwear and skateboarding culture brand known for its iconic red box logo, limited-edition releases, and influence on youth culture and fashion.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Balenciaga competes with 5 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Kering Stock Information
Jobs at Kering
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