Rino Castiglione, former shareholder, president and CEO of Gas Milano 1984, has announced that he has completed the sale of his stake in the historic Italian brand of jeans and casual wear, to current partner Andrew Bording of Bording Holding, who is acquiring a majority stake.
“Following the measures implemented, the company has returned to positive EBITDA and significantly strengthened its management and operational structure, paving the way for a new phase of development,” explained Rino Castiglione, CEO of Alpha Square Invest, an investment fund specializing in growth and corporate turnaround transactions, with a particular focus on the technology, innovation, and sustainability sectors.
“In this context, Gas Milano 1984 has embarked on a path of international development, renewing its product line, redefining its positioning, and expanding its offering toward a more lifestyle-oriented approach, while recording improved financial results,” he added.
The manager has also expressed his satisfaction for the progress he made in recent years, during his company has supported Gas Milano 1984. They have faced ta complex phase and restored the company to solid operational stability and positive profitability. “As chairman and CEO, I have closely followed this revitalization process launched in 2022, which has enabled us to rebuild the company’s industrial and strategic foundations,” he continued.
“As Alpha Square Invest, we have decided to pursue an early exit in order to refocus the fund on sectors that are more strategic for us, such as technology, sustainability, and design, while remaining fully confident in the brand’s future growth potential,” added the manager, emphasizing that he will continue to support the partners and management of Gas Milano 1984 during the transition phase.
In the meantime, Gas Milano 1984 will be lead by Romolo D’Orazio, a manager with 25 years of international experience in the fashion and lifestyle sector who has overseen the relaunch of various brands in the industry.
He has occupied top-level positions for some of the leading companies in the Italian fashion industry, distinguishing himself through his expertise in brand positioning, international development, and omnichannel retail strategies.
He worked for Ittierre S.p.A., where he managed international brands such as Just Cavalli, Versace Jeans Couture, and D&G. He also worked with companies like Swinger International and Miriade S.p.A., and lead brands such as Galliano, Balmain, Fiorucci, Aquascutum, and Costume National.
In 2024, he joined Gas Milano 1984 S.p.A. as business development manager, and more recently he assumed the role of general manager, tasked with accelerating the company’s development in international markets and guiding its strategic growth.
D’Orazio’s mandate will further focus on strengthening the brand’s retail network, with the opening of new stores and the renovation of existing ones, as well as the expansion of distribution channels to increase the brand’s visibility in the markets.
The company will expand its product categories. In addition to its current lines of men’s and women’s apparel and footwear, it is developing new partnerships to launch travelwear and luggage, accessories and small leather goods, underwear, beachwear, children’s wear, and eyewear, while maintaining its focus on denim, which has always been a cornerstone of the brand’s DNA.