Does Louis Vuitton Own Rimowa?
When it comes to luxury luggage brands, Rimowa and Louis Vuitton are two of the most well-known and respected names in the industry. With their sleek designs, high-quality materials, and long-standing reputations, it’s no wonder that these brands are often sought after by travelers who want to make a statement with their luggage.
However, there has been some confusion in recent years about whether or not Louis Vuitton actually owns Rimowa. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the relationship between these two brands and answer the question once and for all: does Louis Vuitton own Rimowa?
The History of Rimowa
Rimowa is a German luggage company that was founded in 1898 by Paul Morszeck. Originally called “Koffermanufaktur Rimowa” (Rimowa Luggage Manufacturer), the company began by producing wooden suitcases with leather handles.
Over time, Rimowa began experimenting with new materials and designs to create lighter, more durable luggage. In 1937, they introduced their first aluminum suitcase – a design that would become iconic for the brand.
Throughout the 20th century, Rimowa continued to innovate and expand its offerings. They introduced new colors and finishes for their suitcases, as well as features like four wheels for easier maneuverability.
The Acquisition by LVMH
In 2016, it was announced that LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) – one of the largest luxury goods conglomerates in the world – had acquired an 80% stake in Rimowa for €640 million (approximately $716 million USD).
This acquisition was a major move for both companies. For Rimowa, it meant access to LVMH’s vast resources and expertise in the luxury market. For LVMH, it meant adding another prestigious brand to their portfolio.
However, it’s important to note that while LVMH does own a majority stake in Rimowa, the brand still operates independently. The Morszeck family – descendants of Rimowa’s founder – still hold a 20% stake in the company and are involved in its day-to-day operations.
The Relationship Today
Since the acquisition, Rimowa has continued to operate as its own brand under the LVMH umbrella. They have opened new stores and expanded their product offerings, while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that they have become known for.
At the same time, there has been some crossover between Rimowa and Louis Vuitton products. In 2017, they collaborated on a limited edition collection of suitcases that featured both brands’ logos.
So Does Louis Vuitton Own Rimowa?
The answer is yes – but with some caveats. While LVMH does own a majority stake in Rimowa, the brand still operates independently and maintains its own unique identity. The Morszeck family is still involved in the company, and there has been some collaboration between Rimowa and other brands under the LVMH umbrella.
In Conclusion
Rimowa and Louis Vuitton are two of the most iconic names in luxury luggage. While it’s true that Louis Vuitton owns a majority stake in Rimowa, this doesn’t mean that the latter has lost its independence or unique identity. Instead, it’s an example of how two powerful brands can come together to create something even greater than the sum of their parts.