The Fingen Group is evaluating the prospects of bringing in factory outlet mall format and building luxury hotels in India, said Fingen Group director Jacopo Fratini, who is on his first visit to India. An Italian family-owned conglomerate, the e250,000 m Fingen Group has interests ranging from apparel, retail, real estate development, hotels and vineyards.

"This is my first visit, so I am trying to understand the market. Besides, I have only been to New Delhi. So when I will be back this November, I will tour the country and explore the feasibility of the other businesses. We have already opened a factory outlet mall in China and there may be potential to tap here as well," said Fratini, 35-year-old alumnus of the European Business School in London.

Fratini's visit follows the group's licensee agreement with Genesis Colors, which it inked last year for British-based tie retailer Tie Rack. Genesis Colors, the Indian holding company that markets international luxury labels such as Jimmy Choo and Canali, will produce almost all the product lines of Tie Rack in India.

"Genesis Colors meets the needs of the markets. They have a great combination of manufacturing, production and capability to develop design. Also, with Genesis Colors we move into both Emirates and Dubai," said Fratini.

For Fratini, heading a family business, was a critical advantage. Flexibility and faster decisions were the two winning factors. Add to this a small board in the UK which speeded up the business decisions, a critical factor in the world of business today. Europe, says Fratini, is getting back on track and the falling Euro, Pound and Dollar has weakened the market. "I am sure they will be back to their position and the Pound will realign in a year or two," said Fratini.

The Fratini family has also invested in very high-end and luxury real estate developments. They are partners with the Four Seasons Hotel chain and own the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence.