VMH to Sell Marc Jacobs to WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group in $850 Million USD Deal
Following a nearly 30-year partnership, the iconic American fashion brand is entering its next chapter under a new 50/50 joint venture.
Summary
- French luxury giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Marc Jacobs brand for a reported $850 million USD
- The buyers are brand-management firm WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group, who have formed a 50/50 joint venture to acquire the brand’s intellectual property
- Under the new structure, G-III Apparel Group will manage the global Marc Jacobs operating business (including wholesale and direct-to-consumer), while WHP Global will oversee the brand’s licensing operations
One of the longest-running and most influential partnerships in luxury fashion is officially coming to a close. On Thursday, LVMH announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Marc Jacobs brand to a joint venture led by WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group. The blockbuster acquisition—reportedly valued at $850 million USD—moves the highly culturally relevant, New York-born label out from under the umbrella of the world’s largest luxury conglomerate as LVMH continues to refine its massive brand portfolio amidst a shifting global market.
LVMH’s history with the brand dates back to 1997, when the conglomerate purchased a majority stake in Marc Jacobs at the same time the eponymous designer was brought on as the creative director of Louis Vuitton. For nearly three decades, LVMH provided the financial backing and strategic support to help the label become a driving force in accessible luxury handbags, ready-to-wear, and accessories.
Under the new $850 million USD acquisition deal, WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group will each pay $425 million USD to split ownership 50/50. The two companies will divide operational duties to accelerate the brand’s growth: G-III (which currently owns DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld) will leverage its robust merchandising capabilities to manage the brand’s direct-to-consumer and wholesale operations, while WHP Global (the firm behind Vera Wang, Rag & Bone, and G-Star) will oversee the brand’s lucrative licensing platforms. The addition of Marc Jacobs is expected to push WHP Global’s portfolio to over $9.5 billion USD in global retail sales. Notably, Coty Inc. will maintain its recently expanded, long-term license for Marc Jacobs Beauty and fragrances.
Fortunately for fans of the brand’s mainline runway shows and critically acclaimed sub-labels like Heaven by Marc Jacobs, the namesake designer isn’t going anywhere. “I am forever grateful to Bernard Arnault for his support, belief, and trust in me over the last 30 years,” Jacobs shared in a statement. “I remain committed in my role as Creative Director of Marc Jacobs International and look forward to this bright new chapter.”
LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault echoed the mutual respect, thanking Jacobs for his undeniable impact on both the Maison and the LVMH group as a whole. The acquisition is currently subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be finalized during G-III’s fiscal third quarter, which wraps up in October 2026.
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