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LVMH To Buy Up Bulgari

Filed under: Jewelry

Recently we've been so busy watching the drama as luxury mega-conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton makes moves on French luxury brand Hermes that we didn't even see them sneaking up on Bulgari. The NY Times reports that LVMH is set to announce on Monday that it is taking control of the luxurious Italian jeweler. According to the NY Times DealBook, Bulgari's founding family is exchange its 51 percent stake in the jeweler to LVMH for stock in LVMH and it will also have seats on LVMH's board. With those shares in place, it's said that LVMH is planning to make offers to acquire the rest of the shares.

LVMH is proving to be an unstoppable luxury juggernaut with over 60 of the world's most prestigious brands in tow including the ones in its name as well as Christian Dior, Fendi and Céline. Other luxury mega-groups include PPR and Richemont. The 127-year-old Bulgari brand is one of the most prestigious names in the jewelry and watches arena and is particularly popular in European and Asian markets. The brand also has several luxury hotels.

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, lvmh, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, LvmhMoetHennessyLouisVuitton

Stock up on Jewelry: Hyperinflation on the Way

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Lux Tips

If the fears of hyperinflation are realized, you'll look back with pride on your luxury purchases. All that money you've sunk into custom jewelry and top-of-the-line stones will make you look like an absolute genius. Well, that's the position of South African billionaire Johann Rupert, and I'd take the advice of a guy who can be described that way.

According to Bloomberg News, the told investors, "If we enter hyperinflation, you're going to be so glad that you bought that stuff two months or six months ago." He added, "If inflation picks up, you're going to see people running into your stores, buying high jewelry."

Will inflation cause a mob to form outside the Cartier store on Fifth Avenue? Well, I don't think I'd worry too much about the pushing and shoving, but being ready to throw an elbow probably isn't a bad idea.

Of course, Rupert has something to gain – his company, Richemont, is the world's second largest luxury goods maker (behind LVMH). In his talk with investors in the company controlled by his family, he forecasted "normal growth" with luxury sales showing signs of recovery this month and next.

Tags: billionaire, billionaires, cartier, Fifth Avenue, FifthAvenue, hyperinflation, inflation, luxury goods, LuxuryGoods, lvmh, LvmhMoetHennessyLouisVuitton, Richemont, wealthy

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Art Collectors Watching, Waiting (and maybe Buying) at FIAC

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art

Collectors are looking and thinking. They might take action, but it's still too soon to tell. The action at Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain (FIAC) in Paris is deliberate: nobody's rushing to put their cash on the table. However, there are signs that some pricey and prestigious pieces may sell.

Last week, a painting by Piet Mondrian was put on reserve, at a price between $30 million and $40 million. One of Pablo Picasso's works was reserved, as well, at $24 million. Back in the art boom, these pieces would have been snapped up already, but dealers are saying that it's taking longer to complete sales at FIAC this year than last year. Even billionaires need convincing in this market, it seems.

Also, there's a greater desire to stay under the radar. Whether it's to maintain some privacy or hide the fact that they have the means to spend more than they like, some owners and buyers are turning to private sales. Bargains, thus, won't make it into the public record – sparing sellers the embarrassment and preventing the other holdings of all collectors from sustaining a measurable decline in value. If premiums are paid, buyers won't have to reveal that they have the cash to pay more, preventing prices from increasing broadly.

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Louis Vuitton buys Aston Martin

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Aston Martin is being bought by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, the most high-profile luxury goods consortium in the world, joining the 60-or-so other brands that already make up the group. Aston Martin will be the first luxury car brand in LVMH's portfolio and it is the first to be run by a lifestyle/luxury goods group. The sale price wasn't revealed, but Aston Martin was reportedly valued at as much as $1.2 billion last December. Ford Motor Company, which put Aston Martin up for sale to begin with, is said to be retaining 15% interest.

We're not expecting to see a LV logo roadster entering the automaker's lineup anytime soon, but we wouldn't be too surprised if a limited edition, branded car rolled out of the factory at some point in the future.

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Tags: Aston Martin, AstonMartin, brand, car, cars, Louis Vuitton, LouisVuitton, LVMH, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, LvmhMoetHennessyLouisVuitton, Moet Hennessy