From Chanel to Etro: Versace sale leaves few luxury brands up for grabs

Besides global powerhouses, there are a few family-owned brands with niche appeal that might attract covetous glances

Gianni Versace SpA’s  sale to Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. would leave a dwindling number of independent global fashion brands still up for grabs. Many big names -- from Dior to Gucci to Yves Saint Laurent -- have found shelter under the roofs of global luxury conglomerates like Kering SA or LVMH.

Now Michael Kors and US rival Tapestry Inc, along with China’s Shandong Ruyi and Fosun International Ltd., are looking to emulate the European giants’ multibrand approach, even as the number of potential targets shrinks. Here’s a short list of brands, from fashion royalty like Chanel to niche brands like