The Arnaults now own more than 50% of LVMH But don't compare the French family to the protagonists of Succession

Taking advantage of a momentary market downturn, the Arnault family purchased additional shares of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group. They now own more than 50% of the company, which in turn owns Maisons such as Dior, Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Celine, Bulgari, and many others (for a total of 75 brands). According to WWD, an undisclosed source stated that the French family now holds 50.01% of the company’s share capital and 65.94% of the voting rights, whereas until last December it held 49.77% of the capital.

The news comes at a time of apparent tensions regarding LVMH’s future. In January, uncertainties surrounding Arnault’s future successor had unsettled shareholders, who wanted more information about the family’s succession strategy. At 76 years old, the richest man in France has not yet declared what could happen, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, to his $350 billion empire. According to some, the decision to keep his cards close to his chest could represent an attempt by the Arnault family to keep shareholders in line.

Announcing the acquisition of the new shares, Arnault reiterated his full confidence in the group’s future, which last year recorded a 5% decline in total revenue. «Demand for high-quality products grows alongside rising living standards worldwide, and I believe this trend will continue,» Arnault stated. The family patriarch had already begun consolidating control of LVMH back in 2022, when he transformed his holding company, Financière Agache, into a joint-stock company divided among his five children. They are the possible heirs to the leadership of LVMH — despite shareholders approving last year an increase to 85 years old as the age limit for Arnault to remain CEO.