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 Tuesday December 18 2001
Net income Q3 2001/2002 Gucci Group USD 56.3 mln
Gucci Group N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: GCCI.AS; NYSE: GUC) on Tuesday announces results for the third quarter ended October 31, 2001. THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS Gucci Group ú Revenues USD 566.2 mln, compared to USD 615.0 mln last year. ú Operating profit before goodwill and trademark amortization USD 80.9 mln, compared to USD 133.0 mln last year.

Tuesday November 20 2001
Gucci: Susan Whiteley named CEO of Alexander McQueen label
Gucci Group N.V. and Alexander McQueen announce on Tuesday the appointment of Susan M. Whiteley as Chief Executive Officer of the Alexander McQueen label. The appointment is effective immediately. Prior to joining Alexander McQueen, Susan Whiteley was the Buying Director of Womenswear and a member of the board of director of Harvey Nichols.

Wednesday November 14 2001
Gucci opens new flagship store in Moscow
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Wednesday the opening of a new Gucci flagship store in Moscow, adding to the existing Gucci free-standing store in the Russian capital, also operated by franchise partner Mercury Distribution S.A. Located in the prestigious luxury shopping area of the city on Tretyakovsky Proyezd 1, the new store was conceived by Gucci Creative Director Tom Ford and interior architect William Sofield.

Friday November 2 2001
Gucci announces special dividend of USD 7 per share
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Friday that the special Dividend of USD 7 per Common Share to all shareholders, except Pinault-Printemps-Redoute S.A. ("PPR") will be paid on the following schedule: December 12, 2001 New York registered shared commence trading ex-dividend Dutch ordinary shares commence trading ex-dividend.

Monday October 22 2001
Gucci announces closing of settlement agreement
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Monday that the step of the settlement among the Company, Pinault-Printemps-Redoute S.A. ("PPR") and LVMH Mo‰t Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. ("LVMH"), announced on September 10, was closed on Monday by the purchase of 8,579,337 Gucci Common Shares by PPR from LVMH at USD 94 per share. Furthermore, the parties have released all claims arising from any party's shareholding and are withdrawing pending legal actions.

Thursday October 11 2001
Gucci: Stella McCartney and YSL Beaute sign perfume license
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Thursday that YSL Beaut‚, the Group's fragrances and cosmetics division, has secured a long term license to develop, manufacture and distribute perfumes and cosmetics for the Stella McCartney brand. This license adds to YSL Beaut‚'s portfolio of leading luxury perfume and cosmetics businesses, which include the Yves Saint Laurent, Roger & Gallet, Boucheron, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen brands owned by the Gucci Group, as well as licenses for Oscar de la Renta, Van Cleef & Arpels, Fendi, and Ermenegildo Zegna.

Tuesday September 25 2001
Net income Gucci Group Q2 2001/2002
The performance of the Gucci Division was superb and one of the best in the luxury goods industry. Through outstanding product, a strong global retail network and excellent execution, Gucci increased revenues at a double digit pace in all major markets, except the United States. The second quarter operating margin before goodwill amortization climbed to an unprecedented 33% from 27% as we captured leverage through the benefits of past initiatives and strict cost control.

Friday September 21 2001
Gucci: Dutch Securities Board Grants Exemption
Gucci, LVMH and PPR announce on Friday that the Dutch Securities Board (STE) has granted the exemption requested by the parties with respect to the execution of the Settlement and Stock Purchase Agreement dared as of September 9, 2001, and the transactions contemplated by the Agreement. The STE has confirmed to the parties that they may proceed to complete these transactions.

Monday September 10 2001
Gucci announces a final comprehensive settlement eliminating litigation
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Monday a comprehensive settlement of outstanding issues among Gucci, Pinault-Printemps-Redoute S.A ("PPR") and LVMH - Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton ("LVMH"), together with details of a revised agreement between Gucci and PPR that ensures the continued strength of the strategic alliance and the long-term protection of the interests of Gucci's independent shareholders.

Friday September 7 2001
Gucci's Yves Saint Laurent opens refurbished New York store
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Friday the reopening of the enlarged and refurbished Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche flagship boutique in New York on September 11. The store has been redesigned and expanded at its original location in a landmark building on Manhattan's prestigious Madison Avenue. The 8,500 square foot store was conceived by Tom Ford, Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent, and architect William Sofield.

Wednesday September 5 2001
Negotiations to solve the conflict opposing LVMH, PPR and Gucci
In reaction to recent market rumours and press speculation, Gucci Group N.V. confirms that discussions are currently taking place with Pinault-Printemps-Redoute ("PPR") and LVMH - Moet Hennesly Louis Vuitton ("LVMH") to solve the conflict in which they have been involved since March 19, 1999. No agreement has been reached among the parties at this stage.

Thursday August 2 2001
Gucci Group strenghtens footwear production capabilities
Gucci Groep N.V. announces on Thursday that it has agreed to acquire a 70% interest in the footwear business of Calzaturificio Regain S.p.A.. Regain is one of the finest men's footwear companies in Italy, and it is based in the Marche region. It produces over 70,000 pairs of shoes a year and employs approximately 50 people.

Monday July 30 2001
Gucci group brings precious skins expertise in-house
Gucci Group N.V., announces on Monday that it has reached a partnership agreement with Caravel Pelli Pregiate, a high-quality, precious skins tannery in Fuceccihio, Tuscany. For over a decade, Caravel has supplied Gucci with precious leather, such as crocodile, used in the manufacture of leather goods, shoes, clothing and watch bands.

Friday July 6 2001
Gucci Group acquires Balenciaga
Gucci Group announces on Friday that it has acquired Balenciaga S.A., owner of the Balenciaga luxury brand. Nicolas GhesquiŠre will continue as Creative Director of Balenciaga, with broad responsibilities for all aspects of the brand's creative direction and image. Last month, GhesquiŠre won the coveted "International Designer of the Year" award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America following several seasons of highly acclaimed collections shown in Paris.

Tuesday July 3 2001
Gucci acquires full control of Australian JV
Gucci Group N.V. announced on Tuesday that it has acquired the remaining 35% stake in Gucci Australia Pty held by its joint venture partner F J Benjamin Holdings. Gucci Australia will now operate as a fully owned subsidiary of the Gucci division. Commenting on the transaction, Domenico De Sole, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gucci Group N.V., said: "Taking full control of the Australian joint venture re-affirms our commitment to our brands and to the Australian market, where we see significant potential for further development.

Friday June 22 2001
Gucci signs oerfume licence agreement with Ermenegildo Zegna Group
Gucci Group N.V. and Ermenegildo Zegna Group announce on Friday that YSL Beaut‚, Gucci Group's fragrance and cosmetics division, has signed a license agreement to develop, manufacture and distribute world-wide a new perfume for the Ermenegildo Zegna brand. The launch of the new men's fragrance is planned for 2003.

Thursday June 21 2001
LVMH, no approval for Gucci accounts
French luxury goods provider LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the minority shareholder of Amsterdam-based Italian fashion house Gucci, refused to approve the accounts for the year 2000 yesterday at the latter's AGM. LVMH representative James Lieber said there were two solutions to the impasse, either French retail conglomerate Pinault Printemps Redoute (PPR) - which holds a 42% stake in Gucci - launched a public purchase offer, or the Dutch courts should annul the transactions carried out in 1999.

Tuesday June 19 2001
YSL redesign will take time, warns Gucci
Gucci, the Italian luxury goods group, said on Tuesday that its attempt to revamp Yves Saint Laurent would take longer than expected and has coincided with unforeseen weakness in the US. Domenico De Sole, chief executive, and Tom Ford, Gucci's chief designer, have been credited with the turnaround of Gucci and are hoping for a repeat at YSL, which Gucci acquired in November 1999.

Net income Gucci Q1 2001 EUR 55.9 mln
Gucci's first quarter 2001 performance was outstanding. In a period marked by the weak economic environment in the United States, Gucci's revenues advanced 11.5% to USD 382.3 mln from USD 342.9 mln in first quarter 2000. Retail sales advanced 15.1% (21% on a constant currency basis) to USD 257.6 mln.

Gucci Group strengthens Bottega Veneta's Management
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Tuesday key appointments in the management and design team at Bottega Veneta, the Italian luxury leather goods company internationally renowned for its "Intrecciato" woven leather handbags and accessories. Bottega Veneta appointed Patrizio di Marco as Chief Executive Officer, Tomas Maier as Creative Director, Francesco Giannaccari as Chief Financial Officer, and Gabriella Di Carlo as Commercial Director.

Wednesday June 13 2001
P&G appoints Gucci chief executive to board position
Domenico De Sole, one of the architects of Gucci's resurgence in the luxury goods world, has an unlikely new sideline. Mr De Sole, Gucci's chief executive since 1995, has been appointed to the board of Procter & Gamble, the detergent and nappies group. Better known for producing handbags and frocks for the global elite, Mr De Sole will now try to deploy his skills at a company that makes Charmin toilet tissue, Crest tooth whitening strips and Iams dog food.

Monday June 11 2001
Gucci appoints new president and managing director for Boucheron
Gucci Group on Monday announces the appointment, effective immediately, of Massimo Macchi as President and Managing Director of Boucheron International S.A. Macchi will retain responsibility for the Group's watch and jewelry business, as Gucci Group Vice President. Massimo Macchi joined in January 2001 as Vice President of Gucci Group and General Manager of the Watch and Jewelry business for Boucheron.

Wednesday May 30 2001
Gucci continues buying spree and expands in Japan
Gucci is set to continue on its acquisition trail using a war chest of USD 2.7 bn in cash, the chief executive said on Wednesday, as the luxury goods group unveiled expansion plans in Japan. Domenico De Sole, president and CEO, said Gucci was still on the look-out for acquisitions to strengthen its growing luxury goods empire.

Wednesday May 23 2001
Gucci Group announces Annual General Meeting and dividend of USD 0.50
Gucci Group N.V. announced on Wednesday that it will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on June 20, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. at the Amstel Intercontinental Hotel, Professor Tulpplein No.1, 1018 GX Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Pursuant to the Articles of Association of the Company, subject to the adoption of the statutory annual accounts by the Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, the Supervisory Board has declared a cash dividend from the profits earned in fiscal 2000 of USD 0.50 per common share of the Company's stock, payable on or promptly after July 13, 2001 to shareholders of record on July 2, 2001.

Thursday March 8 2001
Dutch Court orders inquiry to Gucci into ESOP and PPR alliance
The Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeals on Thursday ordered an inquiry limited to Gucci Group N.V.'s alliance with Pinault-Printemps-Redoute S.A. and to the creation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in February 1999. During proceedings before the Enterprise Chamber in 1999, the Enterprise Chamber upheld the PPR transaction despite criticism of the timing of the transaction and the ESOP.

Thursday March 1 2001
Gucci: to acquire additional Swiss watch design and manufacturing
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Thursday that it has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of both Di Modolo Associates S.A., a design studio, anf of Di Modolo S.A., a production facility, two Swiss companies run by the talented watch designer Dino Modolo. The Di Modolo design studio has been designing timepieces for over twenty years for some of the leading brands of the high-end luxury timepeice market.

Wednesday February 7 2001
Gucci acquires control of Bottega Veneta
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Wednesday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire control of Bottega Veneta, the Italian luxury leather goods company. Under the terms of the agreement, Gucci Group will acquire a 66.67% interest in Bottega Veneta through a capital increase of Lit 200 billion (USD 96.2 mln) and the purchase of shares from the current shareholders for Lit 126 billion (USD 60.6 mln).

Monday February 5 2001
Gucci buys back franchisee to take direct control of Spanish market
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Monday that it has reached an agreement with its Spanish franchisee, that effective immediately Gucci will operate directly its three stores in Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao. The agreement, which transfers key store assets and employees to Gucci, will provide Gucci 100% control of its Spanish retail activity.

Friday January 26 2001
Gucci and LVMH return to court
The world's biggest luxury goods firm, LVMH, and the number three company, Gucci, clashed in an Amsterdam court yesterday in the latest instalment of their long-running dispute. LVMH has brought the Dutch action with the aim of dissolving a USD 3 bn alliance between Gucci and France's Pinault- Printemps-Redoute. The white knight deal was struck in 1999 to fight off a takeover of Gucci by LVMH.

Monday January 22 2001
Gucci affair in court once more
In the two year long legal battle between LVMH and Gucci-PPR, the Christmas truce did not last long. Next Thursday, both parties will come in front of the Amsterdam commercial court, for the second time. In May 1999, the Dutch courts threw LVMH's case for the banning of the Gucci-PPR alliance out of court.

Thursday January 18 2001
Gucci takes fight to Brussels
Gucci, the Italian fashion house, has taken its long-running legal battle with rival luxury goods maker, LVMH, to the European Commission, in a complaint alleging that LVMH is abusing its dominant market position. The company has complained that LVMH is using its 20.6% stake in Gucci to frustrate Gucci's business plans and is calling on the Commission to force the divestment of the shareholding.

Thursday January 11 2001
Gucci label revenues up 30% in December
Gucci, the Italian fashion house, on Thursday reported a 30% rise in December revenues for its eponymous flagship label, a performance it said should alleviate concerns about a slowdown in the luxury goods sector. The Gucci label had total revenues of USD 182 mln last month. Its retail sales climbed by 40% to USD 145 mln, in part boosted by the five week retail calendar in some regions.

Thursday December 14 2000
Gucci shines in Q3 but 2001 forecast throws a shadow
Gucci, the Italian fashion house, on Thursday said it expected double digit revenue growth in 2001 for its flagship brand, as it reported better than expected third quarter figures. The company added that as a result of its reorganisation of the Yves Saint Laurent fashion and cosmetics brand, where it is taking tighter control of design and distribution, it would continue to incur losses.

Gucci appoints Giacomo Santucci as Managing Director and Vice-President
Gucci Group N.V. on Thursday announces the appointment of Giacomo Santucci as Managing Director of the Gucci Division and Vice President of Gucci Group, reporting to Brian Blake, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gucci Division, and to Domenico De Sole, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gucci Group.

Tuesday December 12 2000
Gucci hires executive away from LVMH
Gucci Group said on Tuesday it had hired Thierry Andretta away from French LVMH, heralding a new skirmish in the battle between the arch rivals. Gucci said Andretta, head of LVMH unit Celine SA for the past two years, would become its vice president, reporting to President and Chief Executive Domenico de Sole.

Gucci announces partnership with swiss watchmaker Bedat & C Geneva
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Tuesday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire control of Bedat & C, the Geneva-based Swiss watchmaker whose timepieces were introduced into the United States luxury market in 1997 and have enjoyed phenomenal success since then. Under the terms of the deal, Gucci Group will acquire 85% of the B‚dat business.

Thursday November 30 2000
Yves Saint Laurent (Gucci) to expand store network
Yves Saint Laurent Couture, a division of Gucci Group N.V. (NYSE and Amsterdam: GUC) announced on Thursday that it has reached an agreement with its Japanese franchisee to take over all the rights to the Japanese market, effective December 1st, 2000, including five Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche stores.

Wednesday November 29 2000
Gloves off in battle over Gucci
France's richest businessmen took off their gloves on Wednesday in the battle over Gucci. LVMH, the luxury goods empire controlled by Bernard Arnault, said it would ask the US Securities and Exchange Commission to examine the disclosure of a stock option plan of Gucci. The move came in retaliation against a decision by Gucci to instigate criminal proceedings against LVMH for alleged defamation.

Tuesday November 28 2000
Gucci rejects LVMH's allegations and intends to challenge LVMH's proceedings
Gucci Group N.V. was on Tuesday informed that LVMH has begun a new law suit against the Company in the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeals - another attempt by LVMH. Gucci's principle competitor, to prevent Gucci pursuing its successful multi-brand strategy. Gucci will oppose LVMH's action in the Enterprise Chamber, and is confident that it will prevail.

Monday November 27 2000
LVMH alleges payment by PPR to Gucci management
LVMH, the luxury goods group, has asked a Dutch court to establish whether members of the management of Gucci sided with Pinault- Printemps-Redoute in return for receiving undisclosed share options worth 8% of Gucci's capital. The claim is LVMH's strongest attack against Domenico De Sole, chief executive, and Tom Ford, Gucci's designer, since LVMH and PPR started to fight for control of the fashion house early last year.

Friday November 10 2000
Gucci terminates the Dutch ESOP
Gucci Group N.V. announced on Friday that it has terminated the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan established in February 1999. In February 1999, the Company issued approximately 20 million shares under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan administered by a Dutch Foundation. On May 27, 1999, the ESOP was declared invalid by the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal.

Wednesday October 11 2000
Gucci files its defense and counterclaim in the district court
Gucci Group N.V. on Wednesday filed its defense to a series of actions brought by LVMH in the District Court of Amsterdam. These actions attack Gucci's strategic alliance with Pinault Printemps Redoute ("PPR") and seek to thwart Gucci's multi-brand strategy. LVMH is Gucci's direct competitor and a significant shareholder in the Company.

Friday October 6 2000
Gucci strengthens brand control trough acquisition women-ready-to-wear
Gucci Group N.V. announces on Friday the acquisition from the Zamasport Group of the business unit responsible for managing the production of Gucci branded Women-Ready-to-Wear. Through this acquisition Gucci gains full control over production and distribution of its women-ready-to-wear which will enable it to ensure the continuing development of the highest quality product as well as timely delivery to all channels.

Wednesday September 27 2000
Gucci says satisfied with Dutch Supreme Court decision
Gucci Group said it is "satisfied with the decision" of the Dutch Supreme Court to cancel the judgement validating its agreement with Pinault-Printemps-Redoute in its case against LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. "We are satisfied with this decision as it does not question the strategic agreement with PPR as LVMH was demanding", a Gucci spokesman said.

Tuesday September 19 2000
Second quarter results of Gucci
In the second quarter, Gucci Division revenues advanced 27.7% to USD 333.2 mln. Outstanding merchandise, a modernized store format and strong response from local customers worldwide combined to increase sales substantially in each major market. In the United States the second quarter revenue increase was led by 27% growth in mainland retail sales and 22% growth in Hawaii.

Thursday July 27 2000
Gucci to cut 27 French jobs
Italian luxury goods maker Gucci said on Thursday it planned to shift production of the Chalonnes site of its Yves Saint Laurent SAS (YSL) fashion division to Angers, which would result in the loss of 27 jobs. Earlier this month, Gucci said the reorganisation of unit YSL Beaute would cause the loss of about 60 jobs in Paris.

Friday July 21 2000
Gucci in EUR 1 bn revolving credit
Gucci Group said on Friday it had signed a one billion euro revolving credit facility. The facility was arranged and syndicated by Citibank-Schroder Salomon Smith Barney and Unicredito Italiano SpA and was successfully syndicated among 29 institutional banks, the company said in a statement. It said it would use the proceeds to refinance existing debt and for general corporate purposes.

Friday June 23 2000
Prosecutor wants Gucci cap increase void-paper
An Amsterdam prosecutor has recommended that the Netherlands' highest court annul a ruling that allowed Florentine fashion house Gucci to carry out a capital increase that blocked a hostile takeover by France's LVMH, a French newspaper said on Friday. A supreme court administrator in The Netherlands confirmed the prosecutor's request.

Official adds to Gucci confusion
The Gucci ownership saga, which involves France's two richest businessmen, became more complicated on Friday when it was revealed that a senior Dutch official doubted the validity of a court ruling which allowed a change in ownership of the Italian fashion house. The news came a day after Serge Weinberg, head of Pinault Printemps Redoute, the French retailer that owns 42% of Gucci, ruled out a bid for the remaining shares "in the near term".

Thursday June 22 2000
PPR plans no new quick Gucci bid
Chairman Serge Weinberg of France's Pinault Printemps Redoute said on Thursday PPR planned no new bids for Italian luxury goods maker Gucci Group in the short term. PPR, which already holds a 42% stake in Gucci, had offered USD 100 per share for the rest of Gucci shares, but Gucci management had rejected this.

LVMH awaits court decision on Gucci stake
LVMH may have lost its chance to sell its stake in Italian designer Gucci in an unseemly tussle between Europe's luxury groups, but it may be one step closer to achieving its goal in court, sources close to the company said. The breakdown of arms length negotiations between France's LVMH, seeking to release the 20% stake it owns in the Florentine fashion house, and major shareholder Pinault Printemps Redoute (PPR), now looks likely to leave the fate of LVMH's stake in the hands of an Amsterdam court.

Wednesday June 21 2000
Gucci denies investor problem
Gucci, the Italian fashion house at the heart of a dispute between France's two best-known businessmen, is seeking to deflect accusations that relations with its biggest shareholder were deteriorating. The initiative came ahead of a shareholders' meeting on Thursday, at which investors are bound to demand clarifications from the management.

Gucci sales rise 30%
Gucci, the Italian luxury goods maker at the centre of a conflict between its two largest shareholders, said on Wednesday that a strong performance in the first quarter had boosted revenues. It said that retail sales in May and June were growing at more than 30%. First-quarter revenues were helped by a 38% rise in leather goods, a 30.7% increase in "ready-to-wear" clothes and a 132% gain for jewellery.

Tuesday June 20 2000
Gucci and PPR fail to agree terms of PPR bid
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. has been informed that recent negotiations between Pinault-Printemps-Redoute S.A. and Gucci Group N.V. concerning a public offer by PPR for all Gucci shares with a view to resolving the current conflicts among the parties have failed. LVMH was prepared to tender its Gucci shares to PPR in such an offer.

Monday June 19 2000
Gucci tightens reins on Yves Saint Laurent
Gucci Group announced on Monday its Yves Saint Laurent unit would terminate licence agreements as part of the rejig of its women's ready-to-wear and accessories businesses. Gucci, which purchased French fashion house YSL in 1999, also said that YSL would discontinue production of the Variation line and regroup all women's products under the Rive Gauche label.

Tuesday May 23 2000
Gucci buys watchmaker Boucheron
Gucci Group is buying luxury goods maker Boucheron International, and plans to expand distribution of its perfume, jewelry and watches. No terms were disclosed Tuesday for the Italian fashion house's agreement to buy Boucheron from Schweizerhall Holding. Gucci also said Tuesday that its Yves Saint Laurent Couture unit has bought back two licensing agreements, one for jewelry and watches from Cartier and another for shoes from Schwartz and Benjamin.

Gucci Q1 sales almost double
Gucci Group said on Tuesday first quarter preliminary revenues almost doubled as retail sales grew in the United States, Japan and Europe. Preliminary group net income for the Florence, Italy-based company was at USD 45 mln or USD 0.45 per share in the first quarter. Gucci brands include Yves Saint Laurent.

Wednesday April 19 2000
Gucci's YSL to cut license deals
French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, poised for an image revamp since its purchase by Florentine luxury group Gucci, plans to cut its licensing agreements by about two-thirds in the medium term. A YSL spokesman said that when Gucci took over YSL the French designer had about 160 licensing deals around the world, mostly for distribution of luxury products from sunglasses to pret-a-porter fashions, and was eager to win back control as part of the label's revival.

Tuesday April 18 2000
Gucci plans reorganisation
Gucci said on Tuesday said it was consulting employee representatives ahead of a planned reorganisation at Yves Saint Laurent, the French fashion icon it acquired late last year for Dollars 1bn. The restructuring, whose objective is to return YSL to profit by 2002, will entail an undisclosed number of job cuts, news of which is likely to foster unease among staff.

Wednesday March 22 2000
Gucci net profit up 69%
Gucci reported on Wednesday net profit for 1999 increased 69% to USD 330.3 mln, compared with net profit of USD 195.0 mln the company booked in the comparible period of 1998. Turnover increased 19% from USD 1,042.5 mln to USD 1,236.1 mln. Operating income increased 10% from USD 240.1 mln to USD 263.7 mln.

Friday March 17 2000
Gucci's ex-wife's conviction upheld
A Milan appeals court on Friday upheld the murder conviction of Patrizia Reggiani Martinelli in the slaying of her former husband, fashion heir Maurizio Gucci, but reduced her 29-year prison sentence by three years. The court also upheld the premeditated murder convictions of four co-defendants. But as it did for the woman whom the Italian press dubbed the "black widow", the court also reduced their prison terms.

Wednesday March 8 2000
Gucci aims to double YSL shops
Gucci said on Wednesday that it aims to double the number of Yves St Laurent shops to over 50 in the coming two years following the expiry of almost all 150 YSL licensing agreements.

Thursday March 2 2000
Gucci's Ford takes over at YSL
Gucci Group said Alber Elbaz, head designer of women's ready-to-wear for its Yves Saint-Laurent Couture unit, resigned. Tom Ford will take over Elbaz's position, it added. Ford will also continue as creative director and chief designer for Gucci and retain direct responsibility for all products and image for the Gucci brand. The company said in a statement that the terms of the agreement with Israeli American Elbaz would not be disclosed.

Tuesday February 22 2000
Gucci's Tom Ford says no plans to quit
Gucci Group creative director Tom Ford said on Tuesday that speculation he was looking for someone to replace him at Gucci was unfounded. His appointment last month as creative director at Yves Saint Laurent, the French house acquired by Gucci late last year, has sparked talk the designer will step aside from creative duties at Gucci to concentrate on re-making YSL.

Friday February 18 2000
Gucci not trying on Calvin Klein
Gucci Group chief executive Domenico De Sole said that he is not talking to US fashion house Calvin Klein on a possible take over. De Sole said fragrance and cosmetics companies were on his shopping list, which is already known to include watch-making and leather goods assets. But he declined to comment on rumours Gucci was interested in Calvin Klein, the underwear and jeans maker reported last month to be up for sale at USD 2.5 bn.

Tuesday February 1 2000
Gucci's YSL buys French Mendes
Italian luxury goods maker Gucci Group said on Tuesday its unit Yves Saint Laurent Couture (YSL) had bought the outstanding 66% of French women ready-to-wear specialist Mendes for an undisclosed sum. With the deal, which comprises Mendes' affiliated companies including Diffusion Rive Gauche SA and Paris Collections, Mendes will be fully owned by YSL, Gucci said in a statement.

Thursday January 20 2000
Gucci names president, CFO Gucci division
Gucci Group said on Thursday it had named Brian Blake as the President and Managing director of the Gucci Division and Francesco Buccola as his Chief Financial Officer. Gucci Group now has a range of fashion brands and divisions after the acquisitions of Sanofi Beaute, Yves Saint-Laurent and Sergio Rossi.

Tuesday January 18 2000
Gucci appoints creative director of YSLC
Gucci announced on Tuesday the appointment of Tom Ford as Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent Couture, a role he will assume in addition to that of Creative Director and Chief Designer for Gucci Group. Ford replaces Pierre Berge. Ford will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of all creative activities for the house. He will have the same responsibilities for YSL Parfums at Sanofi Beaute. Gucci bought France's Sanofi Beaute for USD 1 bn in November last year.

Thursday November 18 1999
Gucci acquires 70% of Sergio Rossi
Gucci announced on Thursday that it has acquired a 70% stake in Calzaturificio Sergio Rossi, the Italian shoe manufacturer and designer, for USD 96 mln. The purchase underscores the sector's appetite for niche brand names and comes only days after Gucci bought Sanofi Beaute of France for USD 1 bn. Sergio Rossi, chairman of the shoemaker, will continue as director of design.

Wednesday November 17 1999
Gucci names two YSL executives
Italian fashion house Gucci Group named two of its executives to run Yves Saint Laurent, two days after the acquisition of the French apparel label. Gucci said in a news release Wednesday that it had named Mark Lee as president and managing director and Alberto Da Passano as chief financial officer of YSL's ready to wear division.

Tuesday November 16 1999
Gucci buys Yves Saint Laurent
The Italian luxury goods group, Gucci, is buying French rival Yves Saint Laurent for USD 1 bn. The acquisition of Yves Saint Laurent's parent company, Sanofi Beaute, is Gucci's first outside Italy, and will place it on a collision course with its French arch-rival, LVMH. The presonality clash which was said to have blocked the deal has been resolved by the exclusion of YSL's founders.

Monday November 15 1999
Gucci expected to buy Yves Saint Laurent
Italian luxury firm Gucci Group is likely to announce Monday it has acquired control of Yves Saint Laurent, the Wall Street Journal said, citing people with knowledge of the transaction. Final details were still being worked out over the weekend, but Gucci is set to pay French tycoon Francois Pinault about six billion French francs (USD 952 mln) to gain control of Sanofi Beaute, which controls Saint Laurent and other perfume brands such as Fendi, Van Cleef & Arpels and Roger & Gallet, the Journal said.

Friday October 8 1999
Gucci puts off YSL purchase
Gucci announced on Friday that it postponed its planned FRF 6 bn acquisition of Yves Saint Laurent, amid signs that the French company's co-founder was opposed to the strategy set out by his soon-to-be Italian bosses. Gucci's board, meeting in London yesterday afternoon, acknowledged that "the acquisition would be consistent with [Gucci's] strategic objectives", but stopped short of recommending the purchase of Sanofi Beaut‚, the French luxury group whose biggest asset is the YSL brand.

Wednesday September 15 1999
Gucci posts rise in Q2 earnings
Gucci Wednesday posted a 6% rise in second quarter operating profit on strong summer sales and an 87% jump in net income thanks to interest from its USD 3 bn cash pile. But the firm, rumored to be preparing a USD 710 mln takeover bid for domestic rival Fendi, made no clear reference to expansion nor how it planned to spend its war chest, amassed earlier this year through a tie-up with France's Pinault-Printemps-Redoute.

Friday July 23 1999
EU clears French group's Gucci stake
The European Commission said on Friday it had cleared plans by French retail group Pinault-Printemps-Redoute to take a controlling stake in Italian fashion house Gucci Group. The operation raises no competition problems because, with the exception of luxury handbags in Italy and the United Kingdom, the companies' share of the market for luxury articles and distribution is below 25%, the EU executive said in a statement.

Thursday July 22 1999
Gucci ready to make an offer for Fendi - paper
Italian luxury goods group Gucci is working on an offer to acquire Rome-based furrier Fendi, joining other bidders including Bulgari, Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported on Thursday. Gucci was not immediately available for comment. Gucci is flush with some 5.7 trillion lire (USD 3.0 bn and Italian fashion house Prada are also in the running to acquire Fendi, Corriere reported.

Friday July 16 1999
Pinault, Arnault drop libel suits
French tycoons Francois Pinault and Bernard Arnault, head of luxury goods group LVMH, have dropped libel suits against each other launched in a takeover battle for Italian fashion house Gucci. Arnault had stressed that his comments in an interview with Paris Match magazine in May -- which prompted Pinault's suit and Arnault's countersuit -- in no way intended to "cast doubt on the honour or personal standing of Mr.Francois Pinault", according to a statement on Friday.

Thursday July 8 1999
Gucci approves alliance with PPR
Gucci Group on Thursday celebrated its court victory over French fashion house LVMH by appointing four directors from LVMH rival Pinault-Printemps-Redoute to its supervisory board. In May, a Dutch court upheld a white knight deal in which Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR) took a strategic stake in Gucci.

Wednesday June 9 1999
Gucci Group Q1 net profit up 49%
Gucci Group reported on Wednesday net profit for the first-quarter of 1999 increased 49% to USD 60.3 mln, compared with net profit of USD 40.5 mln the company booked in the comparible period of 1998. Revenuesincreased 8% from USD 250.7 mln to USD 270.0 mln. Operating income increased 5% from USD 56.7 mln to USD 59.4 mln.

LVMH lodges appeals
The Enterprise Chamber of the Dutch Appeals Court upheld Gucci's defensive pact with Pinault-Printemps in a ruling on May 27 and denied LVMH's request for an inquiry into the tie-up. Under the pact, Gucci sold Pinault-Printemps 39 million new shares giving it a stake of around 42% and diluting LVMH's own holdings to 20% from 34.4%.

Friday June 4 1999
Gucci sets AGM, USD 0.40 dividend
Italian luxury goods maker Gucci Group on Friday declared a dividend of USD 0.40 per common share for 1998 and said it will hold its annual general meeting on July 8. The dividend is due to be paid in July except for 39 million shares held by France's Pinault-Printemps-Redoute , which are not entitled to dividends until 2000, a statement said.

Thursday May 27 1999
Gucci winst court battle with LVMH
A Dutch court ruled Thursday in favor of Italian fashion house Gucci and against the French company LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton which is waging a hostile takeover battle for Gucci. The Amsterdam District Court rejected a demand by LVMH that Gucci's strategic alliance with French retailer Pinault-Printemps-Redoute be annulled.

PPR names Gucci board members
French retailer Pinault- Printemps-Redoute on Thursday named four directors to the board of Italian fashion house Gucci. The new board members are Francois Pinault, Chairman of the Artemis holding company, which controls PPR, PPR Chairman Serge Weinberg, PPR Secretary General Patrice Marteau and Artemis Managing Director Patricia Barbizet.

Wednesday May 26 1999
Bourse to delay trade in Gucci on Thursday
Trade in Italian fashion house Gucci will be delayed on Thursday until an Amsterdam court rules on whether to launch an inquiry into Gucci's management practices, Amsterdam Exchanges said on Wednesday. The decision on whether to probe Gucci's attempts to block a hostile takeover by French luxury goods group LVMH is expected on Thursday. LVMH is challenging the legality of Gucci's defences against the French fashion group's attempts to gain control of Gucci.

Pinault sues Arnault over Gucci comments
Francois Pinault lodged a libel suit against LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault, prompting a countersuit from Arnault on the eve of a key ruling in the Gucci takeover fight. Pinault is suing Arnault over an interview he gave the magazine Paris Match accusing Pinault of defrauding Gucci's minority shareholders with the acquisition of his stake.

Monday May 17 1999
Gucci designer is doused
A top fashion designer for Gucci was doused with tomato juice Sunday night in a protest against his designs with fur, an animal rights group said. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said designer Tom Ford was approached by a female PETA member while he was at a cocktail reception at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel hotel where he was attending a fashion industry meeting.

Monday April 26 1999
Dutch court gives preliminary Gucci ruling Tuesday
A Dutch court will deliver a preliminary ruling on Tuesday on the legality of Gucci's efforts to fend off a takeover by France's LVMH , pending a definitive decision on June 3. Lawyers forecast the court will simply roll over an earlier decision dating from March 22, which blocked French Pinault-Printemps-Redoute from exercising voting rights linked to its 42% Gucci stake.

Thursday April 22 1999
Preliminary declaration Gucci case
Italian designer retailer Gucci locked in a legal battle with France's LVMH, said on Thursday that a Dutch court hearing the case was expected to make a preliminary declaration on April 27 before issuing a final decision no later than June 3. The Enterprise Chamber of the Court of Appeals in Amsterdam held a hearing on Thursday on LVMH's request for an inquiry into Gucci's management practices, notably its anti-takeover defences.

Monday April 19 1999
Gucci rejects offers from LVMH
Gucci Group announced on Monday that its supervisory board has rejected the proposals by LVMH. The company said the LVMH proposals are not in the best interests of the Company and include conditions viewed to be inappropriate. The statement said that the Gucci Board also urged LVMH to end the uncertainty surrounding LVMH's intentions.

Wednesday April 14 1999
Fund Templeton says Gucci bid is too low
A major U.S. mutual fund that owns 6% of Gucci Group said on Wednesday that an USD 8.7 bn bid made by luxury goods maker LVMH is too low. Templeton believes that the USD 85 per share price offered by LVMH is too low, but will consider any reasonable bid by LVMH or any other potential acquirer of Gucci, Bahamas-based Templeton said in a news release.

Friday April 9 1999
Gucci battle moves to court
Gucci's fate looks set to be decided in court after the Italian fashion house spurned two conditional bid proposals from French luxury group LVMH. A hearing in Amsterdam is scheduled for April 22, when the Entreprise Chamber will meet to consider LVMH's request for a probe into Gucci's management practices, notably the issue of shares to its white knight Pinault-Printemps-Redoute.

Thursday April 8 1999
Gucci rejects takeover bid
Gucci has rejected a takeover offer by French luxury goods company LVMH. Gucci said LVMH had offered USD 85 a share - four US dollars more than originally indicated - but that it objected to a new condition attached to the offer. However, the Italian company said it was willing to continue talks with the owner of Louis Vuitton luggage and Moet & Chandon champagne for possible future offers.

Tuesday March 30 1999
Rinault adds to stake in Gucci
French retail group Pinault-Printemps-Redoute has increased its stake in the Gucci Group to 44% from about 40%. French billionaire Francois Pinault's move was likely to represent a further blow to Bernard Arnault, head of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, who has a 34% stake and wants to take over Gucci.

Monday March 29 1999
Gucci says to extend talks with LVMH
Italian fashion house Gucci Group agreed to extend talks with French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH until April 6, said a Gucci spokeswoman on Sunday. The companies had been in discussions about a possible acquisition of Gucci by LVMH under a seven day period scheduled to end Tuesday. Gucci spokeswoman Katie Bell said LVMH offered to extend the seven day period imposed by a Dutch court and Gucci accepted the offer.

Friday March 26 1999
LVMH gears up for Gucci takeover
LVMH began to free up cash in preperation for its NLG 12.5 bn takeover bid for Italian rival Gucci on Friday. LVMH reduced its stake in British drinks concern Diageo to 6.8% from 10.8%, generating an estimated NLG 3.3 bn.

Thursday March 25 1999
PPR has 42.4% of Gucci
French distributor Pinault Printemps Redoute (PPR) has a 42.38% in Italian fashion house Gucci, according to data published in financial daily Het Financieele Dagblad by the Dutch securities watchdog. On March 19, PPR announced it had taken a 40% slice of Gucci. According to the announcement, the additional 2.38% was acquired that day.

Wednesday March 24 1999
LVMH could fund Gucci bid with Diageo sale-Arnault
LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault said that his group could finance a takeover bid for Gucci by selling its stake in British food and drinks group Diageo. LVMH holds nearly 11% of Diageo and has said many times, most recently when it issued its 1998 results last week, that the stake was not a strategic holding and would be sold within three years.

Tuesday March 23 1999
Gucci asks LVMH to talk
Gucci Chairman Domenico De Sole on Tuesday told investors that French rival LVMH had been asked to start talks on its $81 per share buyout offer for the embattled Italian fashion house. LVMH said that it was bidding for all of Gucci and had notified the Italian company's supervisory board. An Amsterdam court has ordered Gucci to hold talks with LVMH on the French group's buyout proposal and De Sole said Gucci would approach the LVMH bid, according to the court's request.

Monday March 22 1999
Court orders Gucci to hold bid talks
An Amsterdam commercial court ruled on Monday that Italian fashion house Gucci should open talks with France's LVMH and other interested parties that may lead to a public offer for Gucci. Judges also said that Pinault-Printemps-Redoute's newly acquired 40% interest in Gucci should play no role in the discussions.

Friday March 19 1999
LVMH offers to buy all of Gucci
French luxury goods conglomerate Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) offered Friday to buy all of Gucci Group in a sudden change of course forced by a rival offer for the Italian fashion house. The LVMH bid of NLG 190 per share amounts to some 30% above the current share price of EUR 67 (NLG 147.50), which puts the offer for the company at over NLG 11 bn.

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