Phoenix Equity Partners, which spun out of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in March this year, has started its efforts to build a luxury goods business with the acquisition of Jimmy Choo, the shoe maker.

Phoenix has established a holding company, Equinox, which it will use to acquire majority shareholdings in family-owned, European high-end luxury goods businesses. Equinox will be headed by Robert Bensoussan, who until recently was managing director of Gianfranco Ferrè, the fashion house. Choo, who established his couture label in 1986, will continue to operate the business from London.