The Italian Alessi family behind some of the most recognisable designer homeware products in the world has sold a 40% share of its business for an undisclosed sum to a UK private equity firm. The Alessi company was fully owned by the founding family, who were looking for a partner to help them grow the firm, Oakley Capital announced this week. Alessi family members Alberto, Alessio, Michele and Stefano kept 60% of the company and pledged to reinvest in the firm. Italy’s turbulent economy this decade has buffeted consumer spending.