Have you ever thought about the prospect of how your business idea could grow into something bigger—maybe even a brand that lasts for generations? Many of the world's most successful companies didn’t start as industry giants; they expanded strategically, acquiring businesses that complemented their core offerings. One of the best examples of this is LVMH, the parent company behind luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., and Moët Hennessy.
Understanding how LVMH scaled into a multi-billion-dollar empire can offer valuable lessons for small business owners looking to grow, diversify, or even create their own holding company. Whether you’re just starting or thinking about expanding into multiple ventures, seeing how a company like LVMH strategically built its brand portfolio can spark ideas for your own business journey.
Louis Vuitton, part of LVMH, is one of the most highly recognized luxury brands in the world. The French fashion house was established in 1854, and its iconic “LV” monogram appears on many of its products including handbags, leather goods, and jewelry. In 1987, Louis Vuitton merged with alcohol and spirits conglomerate Moët Hennessy to form the company that is now known as LVMH. The corporation has gone on to purchase or acquire some of the top luxury brands in the world, from fashion houses like Dior as well as high-end liquor companies like Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot.
The LLCAttorney.com team analyzed LVMH’s mergers and acquisitions to create a visual map of all the luxury brands they own. How many can you recognize?
What Does LVMH Own?
Some of the most famous companies LVMH owns are the following:
- Louis Vuitton (fashion and leather goods)
- Dior (fashion, leather goods, perfume, and cosmetics)
- Givenchy (fashion, leather goods, perfume, and cosmetics)
- Tiffany & Co. (jewelry)
- Moët & Chandon (wine and spirits)
- Belvedere (vodka)
- Dom Pérignon (champagne)
- Sephora (cosmetics retailer)
- Guerlain (perfume and cosmetics)
- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna (perfume and cosmetics)
Who Owns Louis Vuitton and LVMH?
The chairman and CEO of LVMH is Bernard Arnault, who officially founded the company in 1987 when Louis Vuitton merged with Moët Hennessy. Arnault had the idea to form a luxury goods group in the 1980s, and worked with the President of Louis Vuitton (Henry Racamier) and the CEO of Moët Hennessy (Alain Chevalier) to create LVMH. In 2022, LVMH's revenue was €79.2 billion ($86.1 billion), and Arnault is frequently listed among the richest people in the world. The LVMH subsidiaries are famously known for their high quality and are regarded as status symbols among the elite.
What Does LVMH Stand For?
LVMH stands for Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, which were the original companies including in the merger that created the company.
What Were LVMH's Most Notable Acquisitions?
The most expensive acquisition made by LVMH was Tiffany & Co. in 2020. The deal closed at $15.8 billion, or $131.50 per share.
Some of the most well-known brands acquired by LVMH occurred in the 1990s. These include designer clothing brands Kenzo (1993), Celine (1996), and Marc Jacobs (1998). The 90s also ushered in a number of beauty and cosmetics brands for LVMH like Sephora (1998), Make Up For Ever (1999), and Benefit Cosmetics (1999).
In the 2000s, LVMH began to pick up brands in more diverse areas, and also continued to acquire additional companies that manufacture wine and spirits. Some of these brands include Belvedere Vodka in 2002 Scottish whisky company Glenmorangie in 2004.
LVMH does have a minority stake in fashion brand Marco De Vincenzo and lifestyle brand Aimé Leon Dore, but they do not have full ownership over the companies.
The History of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton apprenticed under a successful trunk maker in the 1930s and quickly became well known for his creations. Shortly after in 1854, Vuitton founded his namesake fashion house on Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris, France. A few years later, Vuitton debuted his revolutionary rectangular trunks which were very different from the round-topped trunks that were popular at the time.
In the early 20th century, the flagship Louis Vuitton store opened up in the Champs-Elysées in Paris, known for its luxury shops and cafes. Stores also opened up around the world including in New York City, London, Bombay, and Buenos Aires. In the 30s, Louis Vuitton introduced their iconic Speedy handbag, which is still manufactured (and revered) today.
Louis Vuitton trunks are still made by hand, and many of their goods feature the brown monogram logo that has become synonymous with the brand. Many famous actors and musicians have modeled in ads for Louis Vuitton products including Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Keith Richards, and David Bowie.
The Most Iconic LVMH Products
Some of the most famous and sought-after products in the LVMH arsenal include the following:
- Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
- Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
- Dior Saddle Bag
- Fendi Baguette Bag
- Givenchy Antigona Bag
- Moët & Chandon Champagne
- Veuve Clicquot Champagne
- TAG Heuer Monaco Watch
Some of the LVMH companies' products retail for thousands of dollars. In fact, the Louis Vuitton Urban Satchel, which is made out of recycled goods, sold for $150,000, and a luxe version of the Speedy bag is going for $1 million.
If you are interested in learning more about creating your own business or forming a holding company, there are many resources available to help you start on your journey.
