Tony Gram is an emblematic figure of professional autonomy. After a decade with Travhydro, a company specializing in scaffolding construction, he set up his own company, Gramyco, in 1975. Thereafter, he embarked on the gradual acquisition of smaller companies. His real success came in 1992 when he took over the Kipling brand, known for its fashionable bags and iconic monkey logo. With the management skills he brought to the table, and an investment of 30 million francs, Gram obtained Kipling for a symbolic franc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under his leadership, Kipling experienced spectacular growth, achieving sales of 15 million euros in 1994 with a reduced staff. In a surprising turnaround in 1999, UBS Capital <\/strong>bought out 60 % of Kipling for around 125 million euros, leaving Gram with a stake of 40 %. After a period under the management of UBS, during which Kipling experienced difficulties, Gram took over the company for a modest sum in 2002, restructured the business, and sold it two years later for a sum approaching again 125 million euros.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n