Topline
LVMH is divesting Marc Jacobs in an $850 million sale to a newly formed joint venture between WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group, according to numerous sources.
FILE – Marc Jacobs, left, and Sofia Coppola pose for a portrait photograph for the film “Marc by Sofia” during the 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)
Associated Press
Key Facts
Marc Jacobs will join WHP’s $8.5 billion brand portfolio, including owned, licensed and partnership brands —Joseph Abboud, Anne Klein, Bonobos, Express and Toys ‘R’ Us—along with minority stakes and licensing deals with Rag & Bone, Vera Wang, G-Star and Lands’ End.
G-III Apparel will handle Marc Jacobs’ product development, sourcing and direct-to-consumer and wholesale distribution, adding it to a portfolio of owned and licensed designer brands, including Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel, DKNY, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Halston, BCBG, French Connection and Cole Haan.
Each partner will contribute $425 million in the deal expected to close before year end and hold a 50/50 ownership stake in the brand.
Marc Jacobs will continue in his role as founder and creative director, ensuring continuity of the brand’s vision, runway collections and fashion shows.
Key Background
Marc Jacobs’ relationship with LVMH goes back to 1997, when he was hired as Louis Vuitton creative director and the conglomerate acquired a majority stake in his namesake label, created with Robert Duffy in 1984. Jacobs continued as LV creative director through 2013, being replaced by Nicolas Ghesquière in women’s fashion. According to the Wall Street Journal, LVMH had been in talks to sell Marc Jacobs since last summer. At time, the brand was valued at about $1 billion. In recent years, the group has also divested interests in Donna Karan, DKNY, Off-White and Stella McCartney.
Crucial Quote
“We will not keep brands if we believe they are not a good add-on or we are not the right operator to operate them,” said LMVH chief financial officer Cécile Cabanis during last July’s earnings call.
Lvmh Fashion Powerhouse Has Hit A Speed Bump
LVMH’s fashion and leather goods segment accounted for nearly half of total group revenues in fiscal 2025—$44 billion (€38 billion) of the total $94 billion (€81 billion). F&LG sales dropped 8% on a reported basis last year, followed by a 9% decline in first quarter 2026. TD Cowen estimates that around 50% of F&LG revenues are generated by Louis Vuitton with Christian Dior contributing between 20% to 35%. That leaves a much smaller share split between Celine, Fendi, Loewe, Givenchy, Loro Piana among others. Fashion United reported that LVMH is currently evaluating other underperforming brands in its portfolio, spanning some 70 luxury brands.
Further Reading
LVMH To Sell Marc Jacobs Fashion Brand To WHP, G-III Apparel (WSJ)
LVMH In Talks To Sell Marc Jacobs (WSJ)
LVMH And WHP Global Announce Definitive Agreement For The Acquisition Of Marc Jacobs (WHP Global)
LVMH To Sell Marc Jacobs To WHP Global, G-III As Buyers Raise $850 Million (Reuters)