LVMH Sells Marc Jacobs Brand to WHP Global and G-III
French luxury conglomerate LVMH has agreed to sell the Marc Jacobs fashion brand to a joint venture formed by US firms WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group. Valued between $850 million and $1 billion, the deal marks the end of LVMH’s nearly 30-year ownership as it streamlines its portfolio amidst declining revenues for the label. Founder Marc Jacobs will remain creative director, while G-III manages operations. The transaction, expected to close by late 2026 pending regulatory approvals, highlights strategic shifts in the global luxury market.
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LVMH Sells Marc Jacobs to WHP and G-III for $850 Million
Luxury conglomerate LVMH has agreed to sell its stake in the Marc Jacobs fashion brand to a newly formed joint venture between WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group for $850 million. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, WHP and G-III will each contribute $425 million, holding equal 50% ownership stakes in the brand. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026. Marc Jacobs will retain his role as founder and creative director, ensuring continuity in the brand's vision and collections. G-III Apparel will manage product development, sourcing, and distribution, integrating Marc Jacobs into its portfolio of licensed designer brands. This divestiture aligns with LVMH's strategy to streamline its portfolio by shedding brands that are not strategic fits or underperforming, following recent sales of Donna Karan and Off-White. The move comes amid a slight decline in LVMH's fashion and leather goods segment revenues, as the group focuses on its core luxury powerhouses like Louis Vuitton and Dior.
Forbes - BusinessLVMH Sells Marc Jacobs to WHP Global in Partnership with G-III
French luxury conglomerate LVMH has agreed to sell its Marc Jacobs fashion brand to US-based brand management firm WHP Global. The transaction, expected to close by the end of the year pending regulatory approvals, involves a subsequent partnership where apparel manufacturer G-III will purchase a stake in the brand. WHP Global and G-III will form an equally owned joint venture to hold Marc Jacobs, with G-III managing direct-to-consumer and wholesale operations. The deal is reported to be valued at approximately $1 billion, with G-III contributing around $500 million financed through cash and debt. Despite the ownership change, American designer Marc Jacobs will retain his role as creative director. This divestiture comes as LVMH faces a challenging economic environment, having reported a 22 percent drop in net profit in the first half of 2025 and a six percent revenue decline in the first quarter. The sale allows LVMH to streamline its portfolio while Marc Jacobs, which had lost momentum since its early 2000s peak, aims for renewed growth under new management.
Jamaica ObserverLVMH Sells Marc Jacobs Brand to WHP Global and G-III Amid Declining Activity
French luxury conglomerate LVMH has announced the sale of its fashion brand Marc Jacobs to a joint venture formed by American brand management firm WHP Global and clothing group G-III Apparel Group. The transaction, valued at approximately 850 million euros, marks a significant strategic move as LVMH streamlines its portfolio amidst declining activity for the label. Acquired by LVMH in 1997, Marc Jacobs was highly popular in the 2000s but has seen a downturn in recent years. WHP Global and G-III plan to raise up to $850 million to finance the acquisition. Despite the ownership change, founder Marc Jacobs will retain his role as the artistic director of the eponymous brand. This deal represents LVMH's first divestment of a major, renowned fashion house, following previous exits from smaller labels like Off-White and Stella McCartney. The sale underscores LVMH's ongoing effort to optimize its holdings of 75 luxury brands, focusing resources on high-performing assets while offloading those with slower growth trajectories.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeLVMH Sells Marc Jacobs Brand to US Joint Venture for $850 Million
French luxury conglomerate LVMH has announced the sale of its fashion brand Marc Jacobs to a US-based joint venture comprising brand manager WHP Global and apparel company G-III Apparel. This transaction marks the end of LVMH's nearly three-decade ownership of the label, having acquired a majority stake in 1997. The acquiring parties intend to raise up to $850 million (approximately €726 million) to fund the takeover. The deal is currently expected to finalize before the end of the year. Marc Jacobs, founded by the designer in 1984, has been a significant part of LVMH's portfolio. The separation highlights strategic shifts within the luxury goods sector as LVMH streamlines its holdings while US firms expand their brand management portfolios. The announcement was made on a Friday night, signaling a major transition for the iconic American fashion house.
derStandard.at | Nachrichten, Kommentare & CommunityLVMH Sells Marc Jacobs Brand to WHP Global and G-III for Estimated $1 Billion
French luxury conglomerate LVMH has agreed to sell the Marc Jacobs fashion brand to investment firm WHP Global and holding company G-III Apparel Group in a deal estimated at $1 billion. The transaction, announced in May 2026, marks the end of LVMH's nearly 30-year ownership of the label, which it acquired in 1997. Under the agreement, WHP Global and G-III will hold equal stakes, with G-III contributing approximately $500 million in cash and financing while managing direct and wholesale sales operations. Despite the change in ownership, American designer Marc Jacobs will remain the creative director of the brand. He expressed gratitude to LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault for his long-standing support. The acquisition expands WHP Global's portfolio, which already includes Vera Wang and rag & bone, pushing its projected revenue above $9.5 billion. G-III, known for owning DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld, will hold the intellectual property rights. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Folha de S.Paulo - Em cima da hora - PrincipalLVMH to Sell Marc Jacobs to WHP Global and G-III for $850 Million
Luxury conglomerate LVMH has agreed to sell its fashion label Marc Jacobs to brand management firm WHP Global and apparel company G-III in a deal valued at $850 million. Each buyer will invest $425 million to acquire a 50% stake in the brand through a newly formed joint venture, MJ Topco (IPCo), which will hold the intellectual property. G-III will separately operate the business, including retail and wholesale channels in North America and Western Europe, under a long-term exclusive license. Founder Marc Jacobs will remain as creative director, retaining responsibility for creative direction and collections. He expressed gratitude to LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault for three decades of support. The transaction allows LVMH to divest the label, which it acquired in 1997, while WHP Global expands its portfolio, expected to exceed $9.5 billion in global retail sales. G-III plans to fund its share through cash and credit facilities. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is anticipated to close in G-III's fiscal third quarter of 2027.
Yahoo FinanceLVMH Sells Marc Jacobs Brand to WHP Global in Major Acquisition Deal
Luxury conglomerate LVMH has agreed to sell the Marc Jacobs fashion label to brand management firm WHP Global, ending nearly three decades of ownership. The definitive agreement was announced on May 14, 2026, though financial terms were not disclosed. As part of the transaction structure, G-III Apparel Group will partner with WHP Global; G-III will acquire and operate the brand's direct-to-consumer and wholesale businesses, while WHP Global will manage licensing operations. Designer Marc Jacobs will retain his position as founder and creative director to ensure continuity in the brand's vision and collections. WHP Global, known for managing brands like Toys R Us, Lands’ End, and Express, stated that this acquisition marks a defining moment for the company. With the addition of Marc Jacobs, WHP Global projects its global retail sales will exceed $9.5 billion. LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault praised Jacobs for his rare creativity and unique vision. The Marc Jacobs brand, launched in 1984, became a majority stakeholding of LVMH in 1997, playing a significant role in bridging luxury and streetwear culture.
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