LVMH became the first European company to surpass a $500 billion market value in April 2023.
The milestone reflected investor confidence in the global luxury market and in LVMH’s unusually broad portfolio of brands. The group owns fashion, jewelry, watches, wines and spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, and selective retail businesses.
LVMH is short for Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The group was created in 1987 through the merger of Louis Vuitton with Moët Hennessy, while Bernard Arnault became its controlling shareholder and chief executive. Its brands include Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Moët & Chandon, and Hennessy.
LVMH’s market value later moved with luxury-sector demand, currency movements, and investor expectations. The $500 billion figure refers to equity market capitalization, not the combined retail value of products sold by its brands.