LVMH and WHP Global Announce Definitive Agreement for the Acquisition of Marc Jacobs

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury products group, and WHP Global, a leading brand management firm, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of the Marc Jacobs brand from LVMH.

For over 40 years, Marc Jacobs has been one of the most influential names in fashion, recognized for distinctive design across handbags, small leather goods, ready-to-wear, footwear, eyewear, and fragrance, and a strong global presence.

Since acquiring a majority stake in 1997, LVMH has been a longstanding steward and dedicated partner to the Marc Jacobs brand. Over the course of this nearly 30-year relationship, LVMH has provided strategic support and resources necessary to build its global presence and cultural relevance together with Marc Jacobs. This era of collaboration saw the introduction of some of the brand's most iconic and commercially successful products in various categories. These achievements are a direct reflection of the remarkable dedication and innovative spirit of all the Marc Jacobs team, whose contributions have been invaluable since the start.

Following the closing of the transaction, Marc Jacobs will continue in his role as Founder and Creative Director, ensuring continuity of the brand’s vision, runway collections, and fashion shows.

“I am forever grateful to Bernard Arnault for his support, belief and trust in me over the last 30 years. It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside the Arnault Family and LVMH.

I remain committed in my role as Creative Director of Marc Jacobs International and look forward to this bright new chapter.” said Marc Jacobs.

Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, stated, “Marc Jacobs is a designer of rare creativity and unique vision. His impact on the world of fashion is undeniable, and I want to warmly thank him for his contribution to the success of the Maison and the LVMH Group over the last 30 years. I am confident that this new chapter will offer new avenues of opportunity for Marc Jacobs, that the brand and its designer will continue to inspire customers and creators around the world."

The brand will become a cornerstone of WHP Global’s premium fashion vertical, joining Vera Wang, rag & bone, and G-STAR, further strengthening the company’s presence across high-growth global fashion categories.  With the addition of the Marc Jacobs brand, WHP Global will surpass USD $9.5 billion in global retail sales.

Contemporaneously with the transaction, G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (“G-III”) will join with WHP Global in its ownership of the Marc Jacobs brand.  G-III will also acquire and operate certain parts of the brand’s global direct-to-consumer and wholesale businesses. Together, WHP Global, G-III and Marc Jacobs will accelerate the brand’s next phase of growth through WHP Global’s licensing platform and G-III’s best-in-class operating capabilities.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close before year end.