Did Louis Vuitton Buy Rimowa?

Did Louis Vuitton Buy Rimowa?

In 2016, there were rumors that the French luxury fashion house, Louis Vuitton, had bought German luggage brand Rimowa. These rumors started when the CEO of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), Bernard Arnault, was spotted with Rimowa’s CEO, Dieter Morszeck.

However, it wasn’t until later that year that the news was confirmed. LVMH had indeed acquired an 80% stake in Rimowa for €640 million. Morszeck retained a 20% stake and continued to lead the company as CEO.

What is Rimowa?

Rimowa is a German luxury luggage brand that was founded in 1898 by Paul Morszeck. The brand is known for its aluminum suitcases with distinctive grooves and has become a favorite among frequent travelers and celebrities alike.

Why Did Louis Vuitton Buy Rimowa?

Louis Vuitton’s acquisition of Rimowa was part of its strategy to expand its offerings in the luxury travel market. The purchase gave LVMH access to Rimowa’s innovative technology and design capabilities, allowing them to create new product lines and expand their reach in the luggage industry.

The acquisition also allowed LVMH to tap into Rimowa’s strong customer base in Asia, particularly China. With Chinese consumers’ increasing demand for high-end travel products and experiences, this acquisition was seen as a strategic move by LVMH to capitalize on this growing market.

The Impact of Louis Vuitton’s Acquisition

The acquisition of Rimowa has been seen as a positive move for both brands. It has allowed LVMH to expand its offerings in the luxury travel market and capitalize on the growing demand for high-end travel products. Rimowa has also benefited from the purchase, gaining access to LVMH’s resources and expertise in marketing and distribution.

Since the acquisition, Rimowa has continued to innovate its products, introducing new materials such as polycarbonate and collaborations with high-profile designers such as Virgil Abloh. The brand has also expanded its retail presence, opening new stores in key locations such as London and Paris.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Louis Vuitton did indeed buy Rimowa in 2016. The acquisition was part of LVMH’s strategy to expand its offerings in the luxury travel market and capitalize on the growing demand for high-end travel products. Since then, Rimowa has continued to innovate its products while expanding its retail presence under LVMH’s ownership.