Alibaba’s founders step out in Saint Barth swimwear

The investment holding company Blue Pool Capital is setting its sights on MC2 Saint Barth: the family office of Alibaba’s co-founder is in fact in the running to acquire the Italian beachwear brand.

A new international player is therefore emerging in the race for control of MC2 Saint Barth. According to rumours, Blue Pool Capital, the family office of billionaire Joseph Tsai, co-founder of Alibaba and owner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets franchise, is said to be among those most interested in acquiring a majority stake in the Italian group specialising in beachwear. The deal would represent a new investment for Blue Pool, a firm that in recent years has progressively expanded its scope well beyond traditional family wealth management, developing a diversified portfolio of stakes in companies operating in the consumer, luxury, technology and lifestyle sectors. Its portfolio of holdings also includes a 12% stake in Golden Goose. According to rumours, Blue Pool has emerged as one of the most active bidders following an initial phase of gathering expressions of interest. The deal is now said to have entered a more advanced stage, with potential buyers commencing due diligence. However, Blue Pool Capital is not the only party in the running. Potential buyers also include private equity firms. Among these, Permira stands out as one of Europe’s leading funds specialising in investments in the consumer and luxury sectors, having already been involved in numerous deals in the fashion and consumer goods sectors, including the majority stake in Golden Goose, which was sold a few months ago. Nuo Capital, an investment holding company that has long been active in supporting the international growth of Italian brands, is also said to be keeping an eye on the situation.

Lazard is coordinating the sale process, having been appointed by the shareholders to manage the various stages of the transaction. Under the current shareholding structure, founders Massimiliano Ferrari and Raffaele Noris hold a combined stake of approximately 60% of the capital. The remaining 40% is held by private equity firm Peninsula Capital. The two entrepreneurs have steered the brand’s growth since its inception, transforming it from a beachwear specialist into an international brand in the Mediterranean lifestyle segment. MC2 Saint Barth has shown significant growth: the group has achieved revenue growth at rates of around 20 per cent per annum, and as much as 40 per cent in the last year. In 2025, turnover exceeded €140 million and in 2026 is expected to exceed €180 million with an EBITDA of around €40 million.

Starting out as a brand specialising in high-end beachwear, it has evolved over the years into an international platform. Alongside its famous swimwear, the group has developed a comprehensive range of casual clothing and accessories, winning over an international clientele drawn to its image of luxury holidays.