By Pamela Barbaglia

LONDON, (Reuters) – Investcorp plans to buy Italian motorcycle clothing manufacturer Dainese. According to a source, the deal could bring in around 750 million Euros for the 49-year-old company, which Valentino Rossi loves.

A source claimed that the Bahrain-based private equity company Lazard (NYSE :), which is known for turning around high-end luxury brands like Gucci and Tiffany has hired Lazard to help launch sales for the company. The firm, well-known for producing motorcycling clothing, spoke on condition of anonymity.

Investcorp bought Dainese for 130 million euro in 2014. It now wants to sell the company for 750 millions euros ($848million). If successful, it can make six times as much money.

Dainese and Investcorp did not respond to our request for comment.

Investcorp has more than 8 acquisitions in 2015, totaling $37.6 Billion. This was through its technology and flagship equity funds.

Hazem Be-Gacem was the chief executive of Dainese and served as the vice chairman until 2018.

Dainese’s ownership by Investcorp has seen its core earnings more than triple and its product portfolio diversified to include protective gear for riding, winter sport, and bicycling.

Colceresa, a northeastern Italian village near Vicenza was founded the company in 1972. It is also a leader in manufacturing protective helmets for motorcycles under its AGV brand.

According to a source, Dainese performed well during the COVID-19 Pandemic because of its increased interest in wellbeing and outdoor activities.

Lino Dainese who was its founder, still holds a minor stake. The D-Air airbag system detects danger and deploys special airbags for motorcyclists.

($1 = 0.8844 euros)