Who Owns the Hermes Brand?

Hermes is one of the most renowned and prestigious brands in the world. Known for its luxurious products, the brand has been around for over 180 years. However, many people are unaware of who actually owns the Hermes brand.

The History of Hermes

To understand who owns Hermes, it’s essential to first know a little about the history of the brand. The company was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes in Paris. Initially, it started as a harness and saddlery workshop, catering to European noblemen and royals.

Over time, Hermes expanded its product line to include leather goods, fashion accessories, perfumes, and ready-to-wear clothing. Today, the brand is known for its iconic products like the Birkin and Kelly bags.

Who Owns Hermes?

Hermes is a family-owned business that has been passed down through generations. It all started with Thierry Hermes, who handed over his business to his son Charles-Emile Hermes in 1878.

The company remained under family ownership until 1993 when Jean-Louis Dumas took over as CEO. Dumas was not related to the family but was a close friend of Jean-Louis Robert Dumas-Hermes (who was at that time the chairman of the company).

When Jean-Louis Robert Dumas-Hermes passed away in 2010, he left his shares to his family members. Today, Pierre-Alexis Dumas (son of Jean-Louis) serves as artistic director at Hermès.

The Ownership Structure

While Hermès is a family-owned business with significant control held by Dumas family members there are also other shareholders involved in running Hermès International S.A., which owns Hermès Group that encompasses all Hermès companies worldwide.

As per latest information available on their official website there are more than 66% shares owned by family members and around 33% shares held by institutional investors, which include banks and other financial institutions.

The Hermès family controls the company through a holding company known as Emile Hermes SARL. The holding company in turn has a stake in Hermes International S.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hermes brand is still very much under family ownership. Despite being over 180 years old, it has remained true to its roots and continues to produce high-quality luxury products. With its unique ownership structure, the brand has managed to maintain its exclusivity and reputation over the years.