 The company expanded rapidly after 1978, launching new stores across the US, Europe and Asia.In 1981 Benetton bought Montedison's 50% stake in Fiorucci, which was reduced to 33.3% in 1986 when Elio Fiorucci brought in Iranian businessman Massimo Aki Nuhi (Akinouhi) as a third partner via his holding company Aknofin.Benetton sold their remaining stake to Fiorucci and Aki Nuhi in August 1987.