Massenet mulling over Net-a-Porter's future
by Catherine Woods - Monday, 12th May 2008 -
Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet is reportedly seeking advice on taking her fast-growing internet retail business to the next level.
The Sunday Telegraph says the internet entrepreneur is hiring an investment bank to advise her on the options that are available.
The paper cites analyst predictions that Net-a-Porter could be worth as much as £250m if it was put up for sale although it’s not known whether this is the ultimate goal. If the company is sold, it’s claimed Massenet could be worth more than £50m.
Net-a-Porter is a regular entrant on Real Business’s Hot 100 list of the UK's fastest-growing private companies.
This year, the company was ranked 58th. Sales have now topped £37m, having grown 81 per cent during the past four years.
Massenet started the business with £500,000. The Sunday Telegraph says French luxury goods group Richemont and Venezuelan company Baywinds both hold a 28 per cent stake in the company. Massenet's stake is said to be worth 17 per cent. Private investors and the management team hold the remaining shares.
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