The A&B Couture Group Becomes the Majority Shareholder of Bertan
Paris, October 2, 2026
The A&B Couture Group, in partnership with Innovafonds, has become the majority shareholder of Bertan, a leading Italian knitwear manufacturer.
Following the acquisitions of Atelier Manoukian and SCT Développement in 2024 and 2025, A&B Couture continues to consolidate its sector with the acquisition of Bertan, a leading Italian company specializing in the development and manufacturing of knitwear for ready-to-wear and collections for major luxury houses. In 2026, Bertan is targeting revenue of approximately €8 million.
The A&B Couture apparel group thus becomes an integrated Franco-Italian platform dedicated to the development and manufacturing of luxury apparel, serving as a strategic partner to leading fashion houses. This transaction builds a bridge between France and Italy, two major hubs of luxury excellence.
Innovafonds acquired a stake in A&B Couture in early 2024 as part of a capital restructuring.
This acquisition enables A&B Couture to strengthen its production capabilities, expand its product offering, and enhance its market appeal.
The newly formed entity now has 450 employees and generates approximately €25 million in revenue.
The integration of Bertan reflects the A&B Couture Group’s ambition to build, over the long term, a leading player and partner to fashion houses.
Tristan Henner, President of A&B Couture, said: « We are very pleased that the Bertan workshop is joining A&B Couture for a new chapter in its history. The quality of its craftsmanship, the expertise of its teams, and the strength of its market position make it a leader in knitwear. Our goal is to provide the company with the resources to continue its growth while preserving what defines its identity and value: its people, its craftsmanship, and its industrial expertise. »
Quentin Ducouret, a partner at Innovafonds, notes: « We are pleased to support Tristan Henner as he continues to grow his business. With this strategic move, the group is strengthening its position as a leading partner for its clients, capable of meeting their expectations for quality and responsiveness. »
The Partenaire Managers I flex equity fund, managed by Innovafonds, primarily invests in mezzanine financing, supplemented by a minority equity component, in French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-market companies.
About A&B Couture
Contract manufacturer for ready-to-wear and fashion house collections. The Group, based in Vendée (France), consists of six garment manufacturing workshops—Auvinet, Baizet, AM Façons, Belles Roches Couture, Manoukian, and SCT Développement—and two design studios: Mode Création and Manoukian BE. The workshops exclusively manufacture “Made in France” products for the world’s leading fashion houses. EPV (“Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant”) label. GOTS (“Global Organic Textile Standard”) certification. Contact: communication@ab-couture.com www.ab-couture.com
About Bertan
Development and manufacturing of knitwear for fashion houses. Founded in 1965 and based in Borgoricco, in the Veneto region (Italy), the Bertan workshop specializes in the design and manufacture of ready-to-wear and high-end knitwear collections. The company combines artisanal craftsmanship, technical expertise, and industrial capabilities to support its clients in the fashion and luxury sectors in the creation of sophisticated and complex pieces. Contact: info@bertan.it www.bertan.it
About Innovafonds
As an independent investment management firm managing nearly €650 million, Innovafonds focuses on majority, minority, and “flex” investments, with firm commitments of up to €30 million. As an active shareholder alongside management and a true “sparring partner,” Innovafonds is committed to financial and industrial partnerships with a strong business-focused approach. As a responsible and committed investor, Innovafonds places value creation through growth—with a focus on human capital and the energy transition—at the heart of its strategy. Innovafonds makes its experience and networks available to its portfolio companies to support organic growth initiatives while also facilitating external growth opportunities. www.innovafonds.fr
Participants
A&B Couture: Tristan Henner (President)
Investors:
- Innovafonds: Quentin Ducouret, Mathis Delahaye
- BNP Développement: Frédéric Connault, Charles-Antoine Dionisi
- Bpifrance Investissement: Laura Blaisot
Buy-side M&A Advisory:
- Signadile: Olivier Larrat, Robin Laffoucriere, Ewan Delacote
Legal Advice:
- Lealta: Olivier Toury, Claire Tremoureux
- BakerTilly: Letizia Guidi, Carmen Dinnella, Giovanni Querzani
Due Diligences:
- ACA Nexia: Fabrice Huglin
- BakerTilly: Letizia Guidi, Carmen Dinnella, Giovanni Querzani, Davide Trinchero, Maurizio Cerrano
Debt:
- Arranger – Caisse d’Epargne: Pierre-François Tanguy, Carine Poulain, Aida Navadeh
- Participants: Caisse d’Epargne, BNP, CIC
Legal Advice: Cornet Vincent Ségurel : Matthieu Guignard
Innovafonds Press Contacts: CTCom Sibylle DESCAMPS: sibylle.descamps@ct-com.com / M : 06 82 09 70 07
