Bernard Arnault’s Business Portfolio
1LVMH
Role: Chairman and CEO
Founded: 1987 (LVMH formation)
Valuation: (Varies, refer to latest market data)
Focus: Luxury goods conglomerate
Ownership: Majority shareholder through family holding company
2Christian Dior SE
Role: Chairman
Founded: 1946
Valuation: (Varies, refer to latest market data)
Focus: Holding company controlling LVMH and Dior Couture
Ownership: Majority shareholder through family holding company
Bernard Arnault’s Business Investment Timeline
- 1984: Arnault, recognizing the potential of Boussac Saint-Frères, a bankrupt textile conglomerate that owned Christian Dior, invests $15 million of his family’s money and acquires the company. This marks his entry into the luxury goods industry.
- 1987: Following the 1987 stock market crash, Arnault strategically increases his stake in LVMH, a company formed by the merger of Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy. He initiates a complex series of maneuvers to gain control.
- 1989: After a prolonged and contentious battle, Arnault secures a controlling stake in LVMH, becoming its chairman and CEO. He begins a period of aggressive expansion and brand acquisition.
- 1990s: Arnault embarks on a rapid acquisition spree, bringing iconic brands like Givenchy (fashion), Guerlain (cosmetics), and TAG Heuer (watches) into the LVMH portfolio.
- 1993: LVMH acquires Berluti (shoes) and Kenzo (fashion), further diversifying its fashion offerings.
- 1996: The purchase of Sephora, a cosmetics retailer, expands LVMH’s presence in the distribution sector.
- 1999: LVMH begins acquiring stakes in Gucci, leading to a high-profile legal battle with François Pinault’s PPR (now Kering). Eventually, LVMH divests its Gucci shares.
- 2001: LVMH acquires a stake in Phillips de Pury & Company, an auction house, reflecting Arnault’s interest in the art world.
- 2008: LVMH strengthens its watchmaking division with the acquisition of Swiss watchmaker Hublot.
- 2011: LVMH acquires Bulgari, the Italian jeweler, significantly boosting its jewelry and watch business.
- 2019: LVMH announces the acquisition of Tiffany & Co., the iconic American jeweler, in a landmark deal. The purchase was finalized in 2021 after a legal dispute.
- 2022: LVMH increases its investments into hospitality by acquiring the luxury hotel Belmond, which included hotels such as the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, and the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro.
- Alongside LVMH activity, Arnault has personal investments, for example, in 2022, his family investment company Aglaé Ventures, invested in the web3 startup, Ledger.
- Through his holdings, he is invested in Private equity firm, L Catterton.