LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (French: [mɔɛt‿ɛnɛsi lwi vɥitɔ̃]),[1] commonly known as LVMH, is a French multinational holding company and conglomerate[7][8][9][10] specializing in luxury goods, headquartered in Paris.[11] The company was formed in 1987 through the merger of fashion house Louis Vuitton (founded in 1854) with Moët Hennessy, which was established following the 1971 merger between the champagne producer Moët & Chandon (founded in 1743) and the cognac producer Hennessy (founded in 1765).[12][13][14] In April 2023, LVMH became the first European company to surpass a valuation of $500 billion.[15] In 2023, the company was ranked 47th in the Forbes Global 2000.[16]
 | |
 Headquarters in Paris, France | |
| LVMH | |
| Company type | Public |
| |
| ISIN | FR0000121014 |
| Industry | Luxury goods |
| Predecessors | |
| Founded | 3 June 1987 |
| Founders | Bernard Arnault Alain Chevalier Henry Racamier |
| Headquarters | 22 Avenue Montaigne Paris, France[1] |
Number of locations | 6,097 stores (2023)[2] |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Bernard Arnault (chairman & CEO)[3][4] Stéphane Bianchi (Group Managing Director)[5] Antoine Arnault (Director) Delphine Arnault (Director; Chairman & CEO, Christian Dior Couture)[6] |
| Products | |
| Services | Department stores |
| Revenue |  €86.15 billion (2023)[2] |
| €22.56 billion (2023)[2] | |
| €15.17 billion (2023)[2] | |
| Total assets | €143.7 billion (2023)[2] |
| Total equity | €62.70 billion (2023)[2] |
| Owner |
|
Number of employees | 213,000 (2023)[2] |
| Subsidiaries | List of subsidiaries |
| Website | lvmh |
LVMH controls around 60 subsidiaries that manage 75 luxury brands. In addition to Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy, LVMH's portfolio includes Dior, Givenchy, Fendi, Celine, Kenzo, Tiffany, Bulgari, Loewe, TAG Heuer, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Sephora and Loro Piana. The subsidiaries are often managed independently, under the umbrellas of six branches: Fashion Group, Wines and Spirits, Perfumes and Cosmetics, Watches and Jewelry, Selective Distribution, and Other Activities. LVMH owns Les Echos-Le Parisien Group, its media subsidiary. The wine estate Château d'Yquem, whose origins date back to 1593, is under LVMH ownership.[17] Bernard Arnault is the founder, chairman, CEO and largest shareholder of LVMH, making him one of the richest people in the world as of 2024.
History
In 1987, Moet Hennessy and Louis Vuitton merged to create LVMH. Following different visions of the future of the Group, Alain Chevalier and Henri Racamier, respective leaders of MH and LV, started to fight. Racamier invited Bernard Arnault to invest in LVMH. Rapidly, Arnault succeeded in taking control of LVMH at the expense of the initial family owners. Contrary to what is often indicated, Bernard Arnault never created LVMH. [18] Their successful integration of various famous aspirational brands into a single group inspired other luxury companies to do the same. Thus, the French conglomerate Kering and the Swiss-based Richemont have also created extended portfolios of luxury brands.[citation needed] LVMH is a component of the Euro Stoxx 50 stock market index.[19]
Make Up For Ever was established in 1984,[20] and was acquired by LVMH in 1999.[21]
On 7 March 2011, LVMH announced the acquisition of the 50.4% family-owned shares of the Italian jeweller Bulgari and the intention to make a tender offer for the rest, which was publicly owned.[22] The transaction was about $5.2 billion.[23]
By 2012, LVMH established LCapitalAsia, a continuation of its private-equity arm, focused on Asia.[24] In early 2013, LVMH announced its co-investment of LVMH’s private equity LCapitalAsia and the Chinese apparel company Xin Hee Co., Ltd.[24]
In February 2014, LVMH entered into a joint venture with the Italian fashion brand Marco De Vincenzo, taking a minority 45% stake in the firm.[25][26]
In 2016, L Catterton Asia and Crescent Point, two private equity firms backed by LVMH, bought a majority stake in GXG.[27]
In April 2017, LVMH announced it would gain ownership of Christian Dior haute couture, leather, men's and women's ready-to-wear, and footwear lines to integrate the entire Dior brand within its luxury group.[28]
In January 2018, LVMH announced record sales of 42.6 billion euros in 2017, up 13% over the previous year, as all divisions turned in strong performances. In the same year, the net profit increased by 29%.[29] On 1 November 2018, co-founder Alain Chevalier died at age 87.[30]
On 12 May 2019, the fashion house Fenty, styled as FEИTY, created by singer Rihanna, was launched by LVMH in Paris. It is the first new fashion house by LVMH in 32 years, and she is the first woman of colour to head a brand under LVMH.[31][32] On 15 July 2019, LVMH announced a new partnership to further develop the Stella McCartney House.[33] On 29 November 2019, LVMH announced its 55% stake in Château d'Esclans, the producer best known for the brand Whispering Angel.[34] The acquisition was part of LVMH's move to offer a beloved high-end rosé portfolio, in addition to reaching customers worldwide.[35][36] In November 2019, LVMH expressed plans to acquire Tiffany & Co. for approximately US $16.2 billion. The deal was expected to close by June 2020.[37] LVMH issued a statement in September 2020 indicating that the takeover would not proceed and that the deal was "invalid," citing Tiffany's mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.[38] Subsequently, Tiffany filed suit against LVMH, asking the court to compel the purchase or to assess damages against the defendant; LVMH planned to countersuit, alleging that mismanagement had invalidated the purchase agreement.[39]
In mid-September 2020, a reliable source told Forbes that the reason for Arnault's decision to cancel the Tiffany purchase was purely financial: because Tiffany was paying millions in dividends to shareholders despite a financial loss of US$32 million during the pandemic. Some US$70 million had already been paid out by Tiffany, with an additional US$70 million scheduled to be paid in November 2020.[40] LVMH filed a counterclaim against the court action commenced by Tiffany; a statement issued by LMVH blamed Tiffany's mismanagement during the pandemic and claimed that it was 'burning cash and reporting losses'".[41] In late October 2020, Tiffany and LVMH agreed to go back to the original takeover plan, though at a slightly reduced price of nearly $16 billion, a minor reduction of 2.6% from the aforementioned deal. The new deal reduced the amount paid per share by LVMH from the original price of $135 to $131.50.[42] As of late 2020, LVMH has the largest market capitalization of any company in France,[43] and also in the Eurozone with a record of 261 billion euros ($317.6 billion).[44] As of December 2020, Arnault's own fortune was nearly half that, with a personal net worth of $151.7 billion.[45]
LVMH completed the purchase of Tiffany in January 2021.[46] In 2021, with a valuation of $329 billion, LVMH became the most valuable company in Europe.[47]
In January 2022, LVMH acquired a minority stake in the New York-based label Aimé Leon Dore for an undisclosed sum. The investment was made through the conglomerate's LVMH Luxury Ventures arm.[48] In March 2022, LVMH announced the closure of its 120+ stores in Russia, pointing to "the current circumstances in the region",[49] subsequent to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. An LVMH spokesperson stated the company would continue to pay salary and benefits to its 3,500 employees in Russia.[49] In November 2022, it was announced LVMH had acquired the Piedmont-based jewelry maker Pedemonte Group.[50]
On 24 April 2023, LVMH became the first European company to reach a $500 billion valuation.[51]
In November 2023, LVMH agreed to acquire the Los Angeles-based eyewear brand Barton Perreira for $80 million.[52]
In June 2024, LVMH acquired Swiza, the owner of L’Epée 1839,[53] a Swiss manufacturer known for high-end clocks and horological creations.[54] L’Epée 1839, based in Delémont, Switzerland, has been recognized for its watchmaking expertise since 1839. This acquisition highlights LVMH's focus on integrating unique craftsmanship and design within its luxury portfolio. L’Epée 1839 produces intricate clocks, including those with perpetual calendars and tourbillons, favored by various dignitaries and royal families.
Corporate structure
LVMH is headquartered in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France.[12]
The company is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange[55] and is a constituent of the CAC 40 index.
As of 2009, the group employed more than 83,000 people,[56] 30 percent of LVMH's staff worked in France, and LVMH operated over 2,400 stores worldwide.[57]
As of 2010, the group had revenues of €20.3 billion with a net income of just over €3 billion.[56] In 2013, with a revenue of $21.7 billion, LVMH was ranked first luxury goods company in Deloitte's "Global Powers of Luxury Goods" report.[58] By 29 February 2016, the company had a share value of 78,126 million euros, distributed in 506,980,299 shares.
Shareholders
As of 2009, LVMH held 66% of the drinks division, Moët Hennessy, with the remaining 34% held by Diageo.[59]
As of 2013, Christian Dior SE was the leading holding company of LVMH, owning 40.9% of its shares and 59.01% of its voting rights.[60] Bernard Arnault is Chairman and CEO of LVMH and Chairman of Christian Dior SE. In 2017, Arnault purchased all the remaining Christian Dior shares in a reported $13.1 billion buyout.[61]
At the end of 2017, the only declared major shareholder in LVMH was the Arnault Family Group, the holding company of Bernard Arnault. The group's control amounted to 46.84% of LVMH's stock and 63.13% of its voting rights.[62] This significant share held by the Arnault Family Group not only underscores their influential role in the strategic direction of LVMH but also highlights the consolidation of control within family-held enterprises in the luxury sector.
Senior leadership
Bernard Arnault has served as LVMH's chairman and CEO since January 1989.[63] Alain Chevalier was chairman from 1987 until Arnault took over the role.[64]
In 2024, Stéphane Bianchi is appointed LVMH Group Managing Director, responsible for strategic and operational management of the Group Maisons. He also oversees the Regions Presidents, and the Digital and Data Transformation of the Group. He is also the Chairman of the LVMH Executive Committee. [65]
Media group
In 2007, Arnault bought France's leading financial newspaper, Les Echos, from the British company Pearson for 240 million euros (US$262 million) after a negotiating period of four months.[66]
In 2015, LVMH bought the newspapers Le Parisien and Aujourd’hui en France from the Amaury Group. Marie-Odile Amaury, the group's owner, initially hoped for 200 million euros ($218 million) which were later revised to 150 million ($163 million) during a previous sale attempt, but a bid of 50 million euros ($54.5 million) was made.[67] The financial transaction was completed at the end of October 2015.[68]
In 2018, the Lagardère Group sold the stock market information website Boursier.com to Les Echos-Le Parisien Group.[69] In March 2018, Pierre Louette, former CEO of Agence France-Presse from 2005 to 2010, was named CEO of Les Echos-Le Parisien Group, succeeding Francis Morel, who had held this position for seven years.[70]
In 2022, Les Echos-Le Parisien Group acquired 75% of the share capital of the French polling and research institute OpinionWay, which has 140 employees.[71]
Les Echos-Le Parisien Group also acquired Radio Classique, Connaissance des Arts,[71] and Investir and bought 50% of Medici.tv as well as Mezzo TV and EuroArts.[72][73] Les Echos-Le Parisien Group is also present in business services represented by its subsidiaries, such as Netexplo, Les Echos Etudes, and Les Echos Publishing, as well as communication services for companies such as Les Echos-Le Parisien Partenaires and Pelham Media.[72] ChangeNow, Investir Day, and VivaTech (co-founded with Publicis) are subsidiaries whose objective is to offer trade shows and corporate events.[72]
On August 6, 2024, the Competition Authority grants authorization to LVMH for the acquisition of Paris Match.[74] The group purchased the French weekly publication Paris Match in October 2024.[75]
Subsidiaries
A partial list, including some of LVMH's best-known brands and subsidiaries:[57][76]
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E-commerce
On 24 May 2018, LVMH launched an e-commerce initiative by investing in online fashion search business Lyst, as a way for LVMH's luxury brands to expand their presence online and capture younger shoppers.[78] LVMH contributed to Lyst's $60 million funding round, which also included access to LVMH's international expertise, designed to drive Lyst's global expansion.[79]
On 22 May 2024, LVMH announced that it would expand its partnership with Alibaba to increase its presence in China.[80][81]
Financial data
| Financial data (in million euros) | 2006[82] | 2007[82] | 2008[82] | 2009[82] | 2010[56] | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014[83] | 2015[84] | 2016[85] | 2017[86] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 15,306 | 16,481 | 17,193 | 17,053 | 20,320 | 23,659 | 28,103 | 29,016 | 30,638 | 35,664 | 37,600 | 42,636 |
| Net profit (before minority interests) | 2,160 | 2,331 | 2,318 | 1,973 | 3,032 | 3,065 | 3,909 | 3,947 | 6,105 | 4,001 | 4,363 | 5,616 |
| Total equity | 11,594 | 12,528 | 13,887 | 14,785 | 18,204 | 23,512 | 25,666 | 27,907 | 23,003 | 25,799 | 27,903 | 30,260 |
Sales by region
LVMH made 27% of its 2022 revenue from sales in the Americas. 30% of its sales revenue came from Asia excluding Japan.[88]
| Region | 2022ê Sales in €million [89] | in % |
|---|---|---|
| Asia (excluding Japan) | 26,577 | 30.8 % |
| United States | 21,764 | 25.3% |
| Europe (excluding France) | 14,145 | 16.4% |
| France | 6,830 | 7.9% |
| Japan | 6,314 | 7.3% |
| Other countries | 10,523 | 12.2% |
Philanthropy, sponsorships and events
Visual arts
LVMH is a major patron of art in France. The group supported about ten exhibitions as "Le grand monde d’Andy Warhol"[90] and "Picasso et les maîtres"[91] at le Grand Palais in Paris. LVMH also endorsed the patronage of "l'atelier d'Alberto Giacometti" and "Yves Klein" at Centre Georges Pompidou.
Since 2005, when the LVMH flagship store opened in Paris at 3, avenue George V, 75008, the company presented close collaborations with contemporary artists.[92] Features included a light sculpture by American James Turrell, a 20-metre (65 feet) long "travelling staircase" showcasing the work of American video artist Tim White-Sobieski and an elevator linking the store to the top floor by Iceland's Olafur Eliasson.[93]
In 2006, a gallery space was inaugurated on the second floor of the same building and named "Espace Culturel".[94] "Icônes" was one of the first exhibitions.[95] Shigeru Ban, Sylvie Fleury, Zaha Hadid, Bruno Peinado, Andrée Putman, Ugo Rondinone, James Turrell, Tim White-Sobieski and Robert Wilson were the nine artists invited by Louis Vuitton to participate in it.[96]
In addition, LVMH foundation created the "young creators LVMH award", an international competition opened to French and international beaux-arts students.[97] Each year, six grants are allocated to the winners.
In 2014, LVMH opened the Fondation Louis Vuitton pour la Creation in a new building designed by Frank Gehry in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. The Fondation is designed as the Group's own museum to present its collections and organize major world-class art exhibitions.
Fashion
In November 2013, LVMH created the LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize, which comes with a €300,000 grant with a year of mentoring; it was the brainchild of Delphine Arnault.[98] In February 2014 20 finalists for the inaugural prize were shown in London, including Simone Rocha, Thomas Tait, Meadham Kirchhoff, Marques'Almeida, J JS Lee, and others,[99] and Thomas Tait was the winner.[100] Marques'Almeida won the 2015 prize.[100] In 2019, South African designer Thebe Magugu became the first African to win the prize,[101] and was commended by the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.[102]
LVMH underwrites other fashion competitions, including the Andam prize in France, the International Festival of Fashion and Photography in Hyères, France, an investment fund for young designers created by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, and a scholarship program and sponsored lecture theater at Central Saint Martins in London.[98]
Music
The group also lends Stradivarius violins to young talented musicians. Maxim Vengerov and Laurent Korcia have used the instruments.
Humanitarian aid
On 26 August 2019, Bernard Arnault declared that LVMH would donate $11 million to help fight the 2019 Brazil wildfires.[103]
During the COVID-19 crisis, the group shifted its production of perfume and spirits towards hand sanitizer. This production of 12 tons has been offered to hospitals in Paris, France.[104]
In 2022, Louis Vuitton announced a €1 million donation to UNICEF to help the Ukrainian victims of the Russian invasion.[105] On 2 March 2022, LVMH Group pledged €5 million to the Red Cross to those affected by the war.[106][107] In addition, the company closed 124 of its stores in Russia.[108]
2024 Olympic Games
LVMH sponsored the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a premium partner.[109] The company spent €150 million to seal the partnership. Chaumet jewelry company was responsible for the design of the medals, one of LVMH's fashion houses, Berluti, dressed the French delegation, and Moët Hennessy provided its products for the events.[110] Also as part of the partnership, LVMH participated in the activities of French Popular Relief, a charity organization that facilitates access to sport for 1,000 children and young people aged 4 to 25 living in vulnerable situations.[109] The group sponsored athletes, which includes French swimmer Leon Marchand, and its beauty retailer Sephora sponsored the Olympic torch relay.[111]
Journées Particulières
Launched in 2011, Journées Particulières (Particular Days) is a biennial event which allows visitors to enter the various ateliers, studios, caves, and mansions owned by LVMH, for free.
For the first edition we were not at all certain that the public would come. I speak about that with some emotion. I remember coming along avenue Montaigne at 8AM that first morning and seeing hundreds of people, families, elderly ladies and little kids waiting for the doors of avenue Montaigne 30 to open and I thought we are going to write a beautiful page in history.
It is staged every two years and has opened doors in France, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany, with 56 brands welcoming guests into over 70 sites on four continents. The 2017 issue attracted 145,000 visitors.[96]
Controversy
John Galliano's anti-semitism
On 25 February 2011, Christian Dior announced they had suspended designer John Galliano following his arrest over an alleged anti-semitic tirade in a Paris bar.[112] In France, it is against the law to make anti-semitic remarks of this nature, and it can be punished by up to six months in prison.[113] On 1 March 2011, Christian Dior officially announced that it had fired Galliano amidst the controversy.[114]
Sebastian Suhl
In 2012 former Prada COO Sebastian Suhl was hired by Givenchy as the company's new CEO.[115] The Asian Transnational Corporation Monitoring Network (ATNC), a network made of 15 organizations from 12 Asian countries wrote a letter of concern to LVMH Group's Bernard Arnault as Suhl was at the same time a key person in the Prada Female Discrimination Case where he was described as complicit in sexual harassment and discrimination practices.[116][117]
Corruption
During December 2021, LVMH paid €10 million to settle claims in Paris to end several criminal investigations that a former French intelligence chief, Bernard Squarcini, spied for the company, on competitors and others, including on journalist François Ruffin making a film about its billionaire owner, Bernard Arnault. Prosecutors allege that the intelligence chief used tactics like influence peddling, invasion of privacy, and leveraging his network in intelligence and police on behalf of the company.[118]
Fendi store openings 2023
Fendi has been very active in building new flagship stores in several places like Doha and Amsterdam.[citation needed] It has been claimed that in 2023 Fendi had not paid, or had only partially paid, invoices from their suppliers, with some amounts remaining outstanding for over a year.[citation needed]
See also
References
External links
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