Fashion brand co-founder Gilberto Benetton dies aged 77, just three months after brother

Gilberto Benetton, who died after a short illness, spearheaded the firm’s diversification from clothing into telecoms, toll roads, catering and agriculture

He was one of four siblings who launched the eponymous Italian brand in the 1960s

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In this April 17, 2007 file photo Gilberto Benetton arrives for a Telecom board meeting in Milan. Benetton, co-founder of the Benetton Group, died Monday. Photo: AP

Published: 5:43am, 23 Oct 2018Updated: 9:04pm, 23 Oct 2018

Gilberto Benetton, co-founder of the eponymous clothing brand, died on Monday at the age of 77 after an illness, the Italian group announced.

“Gilberto Benetton died at home today in Treviso (northeast Italy) following a brief illness,” the Benetton group said in a brief statement.

“His wife Lalla, daughters Barbara and Sabrina and son-in-law Ermanno were with him in his final moments,” the statement continued.

His death comes three months after that of younger brother Carlo in July at age 74.

A 1996 Benetton advertising campaign photo shows members of the Benetton family wearing straitjackets. Gilberto stands on a box sixth from left. His company co-founders are Carlo (centre), resting his head on sister Giuliana’s shoulder. President Luciano stands on a box third from right. Photo: AP

Benetton was founded by three brothers – Luciano, Carlo and Gilberto – and their sister Giuliana, who launched a home-made production line in Ponzano Veneto, a village near Venice, in the 1960s.

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