Bernard Arnault

Certain titans emerge in the ever-evolving global business landscape, reshaping industries and amassing fortunes that defy comprehension. Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, stands as a quintessential example of such a figure. 

The companies running under LVMH are all expensive fashion brands with huge profits on every single product.

What Is Bernard Arnault's Net Worth?

As of 2024, Bernard Arnault has a net worth of around $160.9 Billion.

Bernard Arnault’s earnings from LVMH’s gross profit of $24.84 billion in 2023, with the Arnault family’s ownership stake of 46.84% and his personal stake of 6.744% which equals $1.53 billion. Breaking down Arnault’s earnings per second, it is approximately €48.74, which is around $52.30 per second. These conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Last year, Bernard Arnault's net worth increased by around $53 billion. His significant investments include backing venture capital firm Aglaé Ventures, which has stakes in companies like Netflix and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

Arnault’s family brand has also invested in companies such as Medigo, Spotify, Ledger, ClueApp, Wiz, and Netflix, with valuations ranging from $8 million to $168 billion. These diverse investments demonstrate Arnault’s strategic approach beyond the luxury goods sector.

What is Bernard Arnault's Claim to Fame?

Bernard Arnault slowly rose to fame as the chairman and CEO of LVMH. His journey began with the strategic acquisition of Christian Dior back in 1984, and this laid the foundation for LVMH.

His continued success with acquiring high-end brands like Moet & Chandon, and Hennessy in 1989 further propelled him as the front-runner of the luxury industry. Moreover, Arnault's visionary leadership and skills to innovate within the luxury market have made him a global business icon and the world's richest man.

How many businesses does Bernard Arnault own?

Bernard Arnault and his family owns more than 50 luxury brands, most of which operate in fashion. Dior, Louis Vuitton, Princess Yachts etc. are some of the brands that has seen insane growth under his supervision!

Bernard Arnault is the chairman and CEO of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate. LVMH is a multinational company that owns over 75 luxury brands across several industries, including fashion and leather goods, cosmetics, jewelry and watches, and wines and spirits. Here are some of the top businesses owned by LVMH:

Dior: As we mentioned earlier, Bernard Arnault's beginning was marked by the acquisition of Christian Dior. From his father's construction business, Bernard spent $15 million to acquire Christian Dior in 1984, and this amount is valued at around $45 million in today's currency. However, under Bernard's leadership, Dior is valued at around $146.57 billion in 2024. Dior holds around 43% shares and 59% voting rights within LVMH.

Louis Vuitton: The flagship brand of LVMH, Louis Vuitton is one of the most recognizable luxury fashion brands in the world. Known for its iconic monogram print and high-end leather goods, Louis Vuitton generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. In 2023, LVMH showcased a 17% increase in its value and crossed a market value of over $500 billion.

Sephora: LVMH acquired the beauty retailer Sephora in 1997 for about $267 million, which translates to $507 million in today's value. And just like any other brand under LVMH, Sephora now stands at a valuation of over $37 billion.

Bulgari: LVMH acquired the Italian jewelry brand Bulgari in 2011 for $5.2 billion. The brand is known for its high-end jewelry and luxury watches and has expanded into fragrances and accessories. With the help of LVMH, Bulgari has a valuation of around $11 billion according to Statista.

Moët & Chandon: LVMH is also a major player in the wine and spirits industry, with Moët & Chandon. The 270-year-old spirit-maker Moët & Chandon is the most valuable wine and champagne brand in the world, with a valuation of $1.4 billion.

Givenchy: LVMH acquired Givenchy in 1999, and the brand is known for its elegant and sophisticated designs in the fashion industry. Right now, Givenchy has expanded into fragrances, cosmetics, and accessories, and stands at a market value of $2.0 billion.

Tiffany & Co.: The most expensive acquisition of Bernard's career was Tiffany & Co. in January 2021. LVMH bought the company for a record-breaking $15.8 billion and expanded LVMH's portfolio with an iconic American brand known for its sterling silver and diamond jewelry.

These are the main wealth suppliers in Bernard Arnault's vast portfolio of business, apart from these, he also owns other brands like Tag Heuer, Glenmorangie, and more. 

How does Bernard Arnault spend his billions?

The richest man in the world surely knows how to spend his billions in style. From luxurious yachts to huge mansions and exclusive cars, he has it all. Below, you will find the details on his estate, cars, and other transportation.

Bernard Arnault's Vast Real Estate Holdings

Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and one of the richest individuals in the world, is known for his extravagant lifestyle and collection of luxury properties. While details of his real estate holdings are largely kept private, here are some of the most notable properties that Arnault is known to own:

• Paris Penthouse: Bernard Arnault bought this luxurious penthouse located in Paris in 2016, and has paid around a whopping $220 million for it.
• Hôtel Royal Riviera: This luxurious hotel is located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a picturesque seaside town on the French Riviera. Arnault purchased the property in the early 2000s and has since invested millions of euros in renovations and upgrades.
• Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez Villa: This opulent villa is located in Saint-Tropez, one of the most exclusive and expensive destinations on the French Riviera. Arnault reportedly paid over $26 million for the property.

Overall, Bernard Arnault's real estate holdings reflect his status as one of the wealthiest and most successful individuals in the world.

Bernard Arnualt's Ultra-Luxe Car Collection And Other High-end Transportations

Bernard Arnault's car collection is worth around $30 million!

Bernard Arnault does not only invest in companies, he also heavily invests in cars and yachts. Down below, is a list of some of the most expensive vehicles and other transportation he owns.

Cars

• Ferrari Sergio by Pininfarina: The most expensive car in Arnault’s collection is a Ferrari Sergio designed by Pininfarina. It has a price tag of $3.5 million, but thanks to only 6 of these cars to exist, the resale prices are skyrocketing every moment!
• Lykan HyperSport: The Lykan Hypersport is the first high-performance car by W Motors that comes with a price tag of around $3.4 million! 
• Koenigsegg Regera: One of the fastest cars ever built, the Koenigsegg Regera is also in the designer’s collection which comes with a price tag of around $3 million.
• Ferrari Monza SP1: The Ferrari Monza SP1 is a connection between old-school racing the new-age power that comes for $1.8 million, and is one of the cheapest supercars in Bernard's garage.

Yachts

• Symphony Yacht: Although Bernard Arnault has huge shares in Princess Yachts, the British luxury yacht manufacturer, he reportedly owns a Yacht built in the Netherlands. Bernard Arnault's private yacht, the Symphony is worth $150 million, and it can host 20 guests in total!

What are the charitable contributions of Bernard Arnault?

The French billionaire and visionary Bernard Arnault has not only shaped the luxury fashion industry but has made a major impact through his various charitable efforts. Below, are some of his renowned philanthropic works.

• LVMH Corporate Philanthropy: Bernard Arnault channels quite some of his resources through LVMH Corporate Philanthropy, specifically focusing on art and culture.
• Restos de Coeur Donation: The 75-year-old French billionaire in 2023, had stepped up to donate $10.7 million to Restos de Coeur Donation, a French Food Bank. 
• 10-Year Pledge: The LMHV family and Bernard Arnault have pledged to donate $500 million over 10 years to reduce poverty and improve neglected areas of France.
• Notre Dame Restoration: Back in 2019, Bernard Arnault and his LVMH Group have pledged a massive $226 million in support for the restoration efforts following the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, 

These are just some of the charitable deeds done by Bernard Arnault, however, over the last few years he and his LVMH family have also worked on several other initiatives including education and scholarship, healthcare and research, and many more.

What’s Next for Bernard Arnault?

After the major fall in the net worth of Elon Musk, it was just a moment of time and fortune, that someone would overtake him, and at the moment, Bernard holds the throne of the richest person in the world, leaving Jeff Bezos and Musk.

Bernard Arnault has grown old, and now at the age of 75, he seems to share his responsibilities with his two sons. In a recent interview, Bernard mentioned that he will nominate two more of his children, Alexandre and Frédéric, to the LVMH board. This is only leaving one of his children off the board.