FAMILY FEUDS: Gucci’s Empire Splits a Seam

Even though the Gucci family’s feuds have often resembled a Florentine version of TV’s Dynasty, the luxury-accessories company has managed to remain closely held since it was founded by Guccio Gucci in 1904. Alas, no longer. The company announced last week that a 47.8% stake in the corporation has been sold for an estimated $135 million. The buyer: Investcorp, a Bahrain-based investment firm owned by more than 12,000 Arab shareholders, many of whom are prominent financiers and politicians.

Giving up most of their shares in the Gucci company are the sons of Aldo, 83, the sole surviving son of the founder. A nephew of Aldo’s, Maurizio Gucci, is still claiming 50% ownership in the firm, but his three cousins are contesting him in Italian court on the ground that he inherited his shares by forging his father’s signature.