We don’t have a definite “yes” to that question, but a Reuters article has evidence that the Swatch Group “had signalled interest in Italy’s luxury watchmaker Bulgari.”Swatch’s CEO, Nick Hayek (pictured), said, "I do not deny that there are interesting big brands that have potential to develop," and he cited Bulgari as "an example."
We find this development most interesting. It wasn’t that long ago that we were wondering if LVMH were interested in buying Bulgari (see our 16 February report).
Still on the luxury watch industry, a WWD Baselworld round-up has suggested “the mood is brighter” at Baselworld.
Hayek was also causing waves at Baselworld, with WWD suggesting:
"In many cases, brands had a hidden agenda for showcasing their expertise. Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek has threatened to stop supplying the rest of the industry with movements and components, and the issue of who makes the parts that go into the engine of a watch has become a hot topic. Most brands rely on Swatch to supply them with movements, although other suppliers exist, namely in Asia. Hayek warned that the Swiss watch sector faces a crisis unless there is more innovation and investment."...
Image credit: www.daylife.com
