Roberto Cavalli says may sell part of company

By Jo Winterbottom

ROME (Reuters) - Roberto Cavalli could consider selling up to 30 percent of his fashion company, which he said is worth over 2 billion euros ($2.86 billion), in a few years' time, the Italian designer told Reuters on Thursday.

"I'm thinking about 20 or 30 percent," Cavalli said at an event to launch his collection for the world's third-largest apparel retailer, Hennes & Mauritz (HMb.ST: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

He ruled out selling the whole of the company, which includes brands Roberto Cavalli and Just Cavalli.

"The company is mine; it's my baby," he said, and added that he has still not made up his mind about a sale.

"I don't promise. I don't need money," he explained.

"A few equity funds approached me, and I was really curious to know what the valuation could be," he said.

Cavalli's collection for H&M will launch in its shops worldwide on November 8 and could sell out within weeks, if sales follow the pattern of previous tie-ins with designers by the Swedish company.

Cavalli has transferred his trademark leopard prints and gold glitter to a cheaper line for H&M, which includes a bronze accordion pleated evening gown that will sell for 299 euros, the retailer's most expensive frock ever.