Founded in 1959 by Carlo, Pompeo and Vittorio Cavalli, IPE (headquartered in Zola Predosa, Bologna, Emilia Romagna) produces and markets high-end luxury furniture, developing and distributing its own brand collections and custom-made solutions. Following the launch of the Visionnaire Collection in 2000, IPE has experienced sustained growth. Its exclusive style enjoys global appeal, with exports representing in excess of 80% of revenues.

IPE was sold in 2014 to the Pan-European private equity fund Ergon Capital Partners, at the conclusion of a competitive auction managed by Lazard.