The rebrand places more prominence on Italian lighting and furniture brands Flos and B&B Italia – two founding brands of the group, which also owns brands Louis Poulsen, Maxalto, Arclinea and Azucena. “The rebranding aligns our corporate name with our iconic and foundational brands, Flos and B&B Italia, maintaining our core values and operational direction,” said Flos B&B Italia Group CEO Daniel Lalonde.
Since 2018, the group has “grown significantly” .Flos and B&B Italia along with Louis Poulsen came together under the Design Holding name in November 2018. Following the formation, in 2019 Giorgio Busnelli stepped down as chairman of B&B Italia. That same year, Piero Gandini resigned as CEO of Flos.
Since its formation Design Holding has acquired several other brands. In 2022 in acquired a majority shareholding in Denmark-based Designers Company from investment company Polaris. This added furniture companies Menu, By Lassen and Brdr Peterson, as well as The Audo hotel to the group. In 2023 these brands were merged under the Audo Copenhagen name. The group also added includes brands Fendi Casa, Lumens, Maxalto, Arclinea and Azucena.
“This steadfast commitment to excellence positions us to continue leading in the high-end design industry and creating value, laying a strong foundation for future growth and acquisitions,” Lalonde continued.
“Our portfolio, featuring renowned brands with notable heritage, each present a unique and clear aesthetic, complementing one another, showcasing the collective distinction and synergy that makes them stand out.”
Flos’ lighting portfolio includes the Glo-Ball lamps designed by Jasper Morrison (pictured top), the Wire Ring lamp by Formafantasma and Vincent Van Duysen’s concrete LED lamp. B&B Italia’s furniture pieces include the Serie Up 2000 armchairs, which were designed by Gaetano Pesce, and outdoor seating by Phillipe Starck.
The group is growing its direct-to-consumer connections Flos B&B Italia Group is “committed to its mission of crafting beautiful and sustainable products”. Targeting growth in Europe and key international markets such as North America, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and the Middle East, the group is expanding its network of directly operated stores. They also aim to deliver bespoke furniture and lighting solutions targeting residential, public and hospitality sectors.
