Prada sold their stake in Gucci to what fashion company?

Prada sold its stake in Gucci to Louis Vuitton, through its parent luxury group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), in January 1999.

Prada had acquired a 9.5% holding in Gucci in 1998, becoming a significant shareholder in its Italian rival. LVMH then bought that stake for about £250 million, giving Prada a substantial profit and helping LVMH build a larger position in Gucci.

The deal became part of a wider luxury-industry battle. LVMH, led by Bernard Arnault, later pursued control of Gucci, while Gucci brought in François Pinault’s investment group, then known as Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR). Gucci ultimately remained outside LVMH’s control and later became part of the group now known as Kering.

A common mix-up is confusing the buyer with the later owner of Gucci. Louis Vuitton itself is a fashion brand; the transaction was conducted by its parent company, LVMH. For quiz purposes, “Louis Vuitton” is the recognizable answer, while “LVMH” is the precise corporate name.