Savour International

1. Valued at 14.9 billion euros, Louis Vuitton is the world’s highest-value luxury label, according to Bloomberg News. Founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton, the company is primarily known for its leather goods such as handbags and suitcases. Louis Vuitton merged in 1987 with champagne and wine manufacturer Moët Hennessy, resulting in a new company known as LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), of which Bernard Arnault has been CEO since 1989.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. The silk-scarf manufacturer Hermès places second, with a brand value amounting to 6.4 billion euros. The company was founded in Paris in 1873 by Thierry Hermès, and has been family-owned ever since – although in 2010, LVMH chief executive Bernard Arnault purchased a more than 20-percent share in the company. Since then, the Hermès family has been attempting to fend off takeover attempts on the part of LVMH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The value of the Italian fashion brand, Gucci, which is best known for its suitcases, belts, and scarves, was put at 5.7 billion euros last year. Founded in Florence in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the company was acquired in 2001 by the French multinational holding company PPR, which also owns Puma. PPR founder François Pinault and LVMH chief executive Bernard Arnault were at one time locked in a fierce battle to take over Gucci.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. The value of the Chanel brand was put at 4.1 billion euros last year. Founded as a fashion house in 1913 by Coco Chanel, the company created its legendary perfume soon thereafter. Chanel is owned by Gérard and Alain Wertheimer, who are the grandchildren of a former Coco Chanel business partner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Founded in 1765 by Richard Hennessy, the Hennessy wine brand was valued at 4.1 billion euros in 2010. In 1971, Hennessy merged with the champagne maker Moët & Chandon, and in 1987 merged with the handbag manufacturer Louis Vuitton to form the LVMH group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wildorf, the Swiss watch brand Rolex was valued at 3.5 billion euros last year. The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Valued at 3.2 billion euros, the champagne label Moët & Chandon is in seventh place. The company was founded by Claude Moët in 1743 and has been part of the LVMH group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. The French watch and jewellery manufacturer Cartier was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, and at 3 billion euros occupies eighth place in the Bloomsberg luxury brand rankings. Cartier is owned by the Swiss luxury goods manufacturer Richemont.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. The Italian handbag manufacturer Fendi merged with LVMH in 1999. Founded in 1918 by Adele Casagrande, the company changed its name after Ms. Casagrande married Eduardo Fendi in 1925. The Fendi brand was valued at 2.4 billion euros in 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Tiffany & Co., which was founded in New York in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young, today seeks to provide its customers with artistic jewellery for everyday use. The company went public in 1987. Its brand was valued at 1.8 billion euros in 2010.