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The logo of Prada is seen in a shop in Paris, France, February 12, 2023. REUTERS/Yves Herman Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

MILAN, July 30 (Reuters) - Italian luxury group Prada (1913.F), opens new tab extended its revenue growth in the first half, driven by strong demand in the ​Americas, although the acquisition of Versace, which the group ‌is working to revive, weighed on profitability.

The group said on Thursday that, including the contribution from the Medusa-branded fashion house which Prada acquired in ​2025, first-half net revenues rose 16% to €3.05 billion ($3.50 billion), ​while adjusted operating profit fell 14%.

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Without taking into account ⁠Versace, first-half net revenue rose 5% at constant currencies, while ​underlying profitability remained in line with the previous year, it said.

Both ​revenue and profitability were broadly in line with analysts' consensus compiled by Visible Alpha.

Retail sales, which account for the vast majority of group revenue, were ​supported by a 17% rise in the Americas in the ​first half, while sales in Europe declined, although Prada said it saw ‌signs ⁠of recovery in both tourist spending and local demand during the second quarter.

Sales in the Middle East fell by about a quarter as the conflict in the region weighed on demand.

At brand ​level, retail sales ​growth at ⁠Prada accelerated in the second quarter. Miu Miu continued to grow, although at a slower pace ​than the exceptional rates recorded last year.

"We close ​the first ⁠six months of the year with solid results, accelerating in the second quarter on a positive Q1," said Prada CEO Andrea Guerra ⁠in ​the statement.

He also flagged the arrival ​of creative director Pieter Mulier at Versace in July, which should help the relaunch ​of the brand.

($1 = 0.8721 euros)

Reporting by Elisa Anzolin Editing by Keith Weir

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