Bernard Arnault surpasses 50% ownership in LVMH
LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault has upped his stake in the French luxury group to 50.01% from 49.77% at the end of 2025, according to Bloomberg.
That means the Arnault family, which has taken advantage of a slump in LVMH shares amid a luxury industry slowdown to accumulate a bigger stake, now has 65.94% of the voting rights - signalling they believe that LVMH has a strong future.
At the end of January, LVMH reported revenue of €80.8 billion in 2025, representing a 5% decline year-on-year, as the group navigated a challenging environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty and uneven regional demand.
Despite the softer full-year performance, trends improved in the second half, with organic revenue growth of 1%, reflecting stabilisation across all business groups.
Following the financial results, Bernard Arnault said: “In 2026, in an environment that remains uncertain, our Maisons’ ability to inspire dreams - coupled with the highest levels of vigilance with regard to cost management, and our environmental and social commitments - will once again be a decisive asset underscoring our leadership position in the luxury goods market.
“We will remain true to our entrepreneurial tradition as a forward-looking family group focused on sustainable creativity in high quality products, exceptional spaces and the long-term future of our outstanding craftsmanship.”
Last year marked a period of significant creative leadership transitions across several fashion houses. Christian Dior entered a new chapter with the appointment of Jonathan Anderson, now overseeing Haute Couture, Men’s and Women’s collections.
Meanwhile, first catwalk collections from newly appointed creative leaders, including Michael Rider at Celine, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez at Loewe, and Sarah Burton at Givenchy, were also met with an “excellent response”.
Additionally, Fendi further signalled a strategic creative shift with the appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as Chief Creative Officer.
