The stake was said to be too small to be made public, with a report from the Financial Times stating that the investment “does not signal any particular move on Richemont.”
Kepler Cheuvreux analyst Jon Cox said in an interview with Reuters that the investment seemed to be more of a personal stake of the Arnault family.
"Arnault has made no secret that he thinks Richemont’s Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are two world-class brands, and I am sure LVMH is interested and has the financial resources to do a deal," Cox said.
"However, Richemont's Johann Rupert has repeatedly said the company is not for sale, and he has no interest in any sort of tie-up."
Richemont chair Johann Rupert has previously described Arnault as an ‘outstanding leader’.
“I don’t in the slightest wish to upset his strategy,” he said.
“I understand he wants to remain independent. I find that very good. If he wants support to maintain his independence, I’ll be there.”
In recent years, rumours have circulated that LVMH is considering a takeover of Richemont. It’s been reported that Arnault is interested in Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels in particular. Richemont refuted these claims.
LVMH purchased Cartier rival Tiffany & Co. in 2021.
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