Is Hermes Privately Owned?

Hermes is a luxury fashion brand that has been around for over 180 years. The brand is known for its high-quality products, particularly its leather goods and scarves.

Many people wonder whether Hermes is a privately-owned company or if it is publicly traded. In this article, we will explore the ownership of Hermes and how it has changed over the years.

History of Hermes

Hermes was founded in Paris, France in 1837 by Thierry Hermes. The company started as a harness workshop, producing high-quality leather goods for horses.

Over time, the company expanded into other areas, such as clothing and accessories. Today, Hermes is one of the most well-known luxury brands in the world.

The Ownership of Hermes

Hermes has gone through several changes in ownership over the years. The company remained privately owned by the Hermes family until 1993 when it went public on the French stock exchange. However, in 2010, the family bought back a controlling interest in the company to maintain their control over its direction.

Today, Hermes is still primarily owned by the descendants of Thierry Hermes. They hold over 70% of the shares in the company. This means that while some shares are publicly traded, control over the direction of the company remains firmly with the family.

Why Privately Owned?

Many luxury fashion brands are publicly traded companies because they require significant investment to maintain their operations and expand globally. However, some companies choose to remain privately owned because they want to maintain control over their brand’s image and direction.

For Hermes, remaining privately owned allows them to focus on quality rather than profit margins. They can take risks with new designs or products without worrying about shareholder backlash if they don’t perform well financially.

Conclusion

In summary, while Hermes did go public for a period, it is now primarily privately owned by the Hermes family. This allows them to maintain control over the direction of the company and focus on quality rather than profit. As a luxury brand, Hermes has built its reputation on excellence and exclusivity, and remaining privately owned allows them to maintain that image.