According to Reuters, VF Corp. is among the companies looking to acquire Golden Goose. Sources indicate the company is competing with private-equity firms Permira and Advent as well as strategic investors PVH, Ralph Lauren and Tapestry for the Italian shoe brand.

Golden Goose is owned by Carlyle Group and is best known for its Superstar sneaker. The report said Carlyle Group has invited a small group of bidders to submit non-binding offers in mid-December with an auction expected to conclude by early next year. The valuation is seen at €1.4 billion.

Permira owns Dr. Martens while Advent International was an early investor in Lululemon. PVH owns Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. Tapestry is the parent of Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman. VF’s brands include Vans, The North Face and Timberland.