Rumor Mill: Valentino to Buy Balmain?

 
A while back, I reported on the various rumors that circulated in the media of Balmain’s tentative selling.  While many thought it was JUST a rumor mill, it would seem that Balmain really is looking to sell (at the hands of the current heirs to the empire, and not by the decision of Rousteing). It seems those rumors may, in fact, be true and that there may possibly be an interested party we all know: Valentino.
The Italian fashion house Valentino has reportedly offered 500 million euros (569 million dollars) to buy Pierre Balmain, according to a recent report from the French newspaper Les Echos.

Among the other possible offers, there’s a Chinese group and an American investor interested in the French brand, although names have not fully been disclosed. A decision from the current heirs has to be made by Thursday whether to accept one of the three offers.
Is this the end of the Rousteing/Balmain Army era? What will Balmain look like if it’s taken under Valentino?