The Treasure Trove of Bernard Arnault

By Simon Boseman

Published Apr 6, 2024

The Treasure Trove of Bernard Arnault

In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, certain titans emerge, reshaping industries and amassing fortunes that defy comprehension. Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, stands as a quintessential example of such a figure. The companies running under LVMH are all expensive fashion brands with huge profits on every single product.

Right now, with a net worth soaring to an astounding $235 billion as of March 2024, Bernard Arnault reigns as the richest man in the world, surpassing even the formidable financial prowess of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.

 

Also, in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the French economy and cultural landscape, Bernard Arnault was recently honored with France's highest distinction, the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, bestowed upon him by President Emmanuel Macron.


Net Worth$235 Billion
Salary$53 Billion
Date of BirthMarch 5, 1949
Place of BirthRoubaix, France
GenderMale
Height6' 0"
ProfessionFashion Designer and Entrepreneur
NationalityFrench
MarriedYes
Children5
No. of Houses5
No. of Cars20+
No. of Awards7

What Is Bernard Arnault's Net Worth?

What Is Bernard Arnault's Net Worth?Source: CNBC International TV (Y/T)

As of 2024, Bernard Arnault has a net worth of around $235 billion.

With a staggering net, worth of $235 billion, Bernard Arnault is richest person in the world and is one of the most influential and successful businessmen, alongside the likes of Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett.

Bernard Arnault’s earnings from LVMH’s gross profit of €22.8 billion in 2023, with the Arnault family’s ownership stake of 46.84%. Breaking down Arnault’s earnings per second, it is approximately €48.74, which is around $52.30 per second. These conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

In 2023, Bernard Arnault's net worth increased by around $53 billion. His significant investments includes backing venture capital firm Aglaé Ventures, which has stakes in companies like Netflix and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

Also, LVMH acquired Tiffany & Co. in 2021 for $15.8 billion, marking the largest luxury brand acquisition ever. Arnault’s family brand has also invested in companies such as Medigo, Spotify, Ledger, ClueApp, Wiz, and Netflix, with valuations ranging from $8 million to $168 billion. These diverse investments demonstrate Arnault’s strategic approach beyond the luxury goods sector.


What Are Bernard Arnault's Top Ventures?

Bernard Arnault and his family owns more than 50 luxury brands, most of which operate in fashion. Dior, Louis Vuitton, Princess Yachts etc. are some of the brands that has seen insane growth under his supervision!

Bernard Arnault and his companies

Bernard Arnault is the chairman and CEO of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate. LVMH is a multinational company that owns over 75 luxury brands across several industries, including fashion and leather goods, cosmetics, jewelry and watches, and wines and spirits. Here are some of the top businesses owned by LVMH:

Dior

As we mentioned earlier, Bernard Arnault's beginning was marked by the acquisition of Christian Dior. From his father's construction business, Bernard spent $15 million to acquire Christian Dior in 1984, and this amount values at around $45 million in today's currency. However, under Bernard's leadership, Dior is valued at around $146.57 billion in 2024. Dior holds around 43% shares and 59% voting rights within LVMH.

Louis Vuitton

The flagship brand of LVMH, Louis Vuitton is one of the most recognizable luxury fashion brands in the world. Known for its iconic monogram print and high-end leather goods, Louis Vuitton generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. In 2023, LVMH showcased a 17% increase in it's value, and crossed a market value of over $500 billion.

Sephora

LVMH acquired the beauty retailer Sephora in 1997 for about $267 million, which translates to $507 million in today's value. And just like any other brands under LVMH, Sephora now stands at a valuation of over $37 billion.

Bulgari

LVMH acquired the Italian jewelry brand Bulgari in 2011 for $5.2 billion. The brand is known for its high-end jewelry and luxury watches and has expanded into fragrances and accessories. With the help of LVMH, Bulgari has a valuation of around $11 billion according to Statista.

Moët & Chandon

LVMH is also a major player in the wine and spirits industry, with Moët & Chandon. The 270 years old spirit-maker Moët & Chandon is the most valuable wine and champagne brand in the world, with a valuation of $1.4 billion.

Givenchy

LVMH acquired Givenchy in 1999, and the brand is known for its elegant and sophisticated designs in the fashion industry. Right now, Givenchy has expanded into fragrances, cosmetics, and accessories, and stands at a market value of $2.0 billion.

Tiffany & Co.

The most expensive acquisition of Bernard's career was Tiffany & Co. in January 2021. LVMH bought the company for a record-breaking $15.8 billion and expanded LVMH's portfolio with an iconic American brand known for its sterling silver and diamond jewelry.

 


Bernard Arnault's Car Collection

Ferrari Monza SP1, Koenigsegg Regera, Ferrari Sergio Pininfarina, and Lykan Hypersport of Bernard Arnault

Bernard Arnault's car collection is worth around $30 million!

Bernard Arnault does not only invests in companies, but if you see his car collection, you'll be amazed to find the most collectible cars in his garage. From a Stirling Moss edition SLR to the Ferrari Sergio by Pininfarina, almost all the cars from his collection never faces depreciation!

As per our estimation, Bernard Arnault's car collection is worth about $30 million, and here are some of the best from his garage-

  • Ferrari Sergio by Pininfarina: The most expensive car in Arnault’s collection is a Ferrari Sergio designed by Pininfarina. It has a price tag of $3.5 million, but thanks to only 6 of these cars to exist, the resale prices are skyrocketing every moment!
  • Lykan HyperSport: W Motors is the first high-performance automobile brand in middle east, the the Lykan Hypersport is the first hypercar out of the desert. Only 7 of the Lykan HyperSport models got out of the production line and when new, it costed around $3.4 million! However, the Lykan Hypersport is not just a car with cutting edge tech and fast powertrain; it boasts various luxury elements in it, such as the usage of diamonds in it's headlamps, usage of expensive wood, gold and platinum in the interior, etc.
  • Koenigsegg Regera: One of the fastest cars ever built, the Koenigsegg Regera is also in the designer’s collection. The car features aggressive and curvy exterior elements and a supremely refined interior that’s to die for.
  • Ferrari Monza SP1: The Ferrari Monza SP1 is not famous because it can go faster than a lot of other supercars, it is quite literally "Art on wheels", and not only that, SP1 provides you an experience that only a few racecar drivers from the classic era has enjoyed! The Monza SP1 is literally a connection between the oldschool racing with the new-age power that comes at a cost of $1.8 million. Famous chef Gordon Ramsay has also purchased a Ferrari Monza finished in black.

Besides these, there are a lot more collectible cars in Bernard's collection, check them out in detail in this article Bernard Arnault's Car Collection.


Riding, Sailing, and Flying In Grandeur

Bombardier Global 7500 and Symphony Yacht of Bernard Arnault

Bernard Arnault is also known to own many airplanes and yachts, here are the ones we know of:


Bernard Arnault's Vast Real Estate Holdings

Bernard Arnault's Houses

Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and one of the richest individuals in the world, is known for his extravagant lifestyle and collection of luxury properties. While details of his real estate holdings are largely kept private, here are some of the most notable properties that Arnault is known to own:

  • Château Cheval Blanc: Arnault owns this prestigious vineyard and winery located in Saint-Émilion, France. The property is known for producing some of the world's most expensive wines, and its ownership is a point of pride for Arnault, who is an avid collector of fine wines.
  • Hôtel Royal Riviera: This luxurious hotel is located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a picturesque seaside town on the French Riviera. Arnault purchased the property in the early 2000s and has since invested millions of euros in renovations and upgrades.
  • La Belle Epoque: This opulent villa is located in Saint-Tropez, one of the most exclusive and expensive destinations on the French Riviera. Arnault reportedly paid over 100 million euros for the property, which features stunning views of the Mediterranean and is said to be one of the most expensive homes in France.
  • One57: Arnault reportedly owns a penthouse apartment in this luxurious skyscraper located in Manhattan, New York. As per reports, Arnault's Manhattan penthouse costed him about $18 million.

Overall, Bernard Arnault's real estate holdings reflect his status as one of the wealthiest and most successful individuals in the world.

Bernard Arnault Vs Other Billionaires!

Bernard Arnault's net worth of $253 billion surpasses every other billionaires in the world including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and investor Warren Buffett.

Bernard Arnault With Billionaire Elon Musk

Credits: Bloomberg Television (YT)

Bernard Arnault VS Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett has a net worth of about $134 billion in 2024, and he is one of the most admired investors right now. In contrast, Bernard has accumulated almost a $100 billion more wealth at the age of 74. Both of them has different investment strategies and nature, while Buffett invests in goods that are targeted to the masses, Bernard focuses on acquiring the most luxurious brands.

Jeff Bezos VS Bernard Arnault

For a while, Jeff Bezos was the wealthiest person on earth with a net worth of $199 billion, however, only recently, Bernard Arnault passed that mark in March 2024, with his net worth increasing to $235 billion.

Elon Musk VS Bernard Arnault

Elon Musk is one of the most influential billionaires of the 21st century. With his entrepreneurial investments in Tesla, SpaceX, and PayPal; Musk accumulated a huge net worth of $ 198 billion right now. Although, previously his net worth peaked at $340 billion in 2021, recently it dropped drastically, trading places with other entrepreneurs and investors like Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault. Bernard has approximately $37 billion more in net worth, compared to Elon Musk right now.


What’s Next for Bernard Arnault?

After the major fall in the net worth of Elon Musk, it was just a moment of time and fortune, that someone will overtake him, and at the moment, Bernard holds the throne of the richest person in the world, leaving Jeff Bezos and Musk.

Bernard Arnault has grown old, and now at the age of 74, he seems to share his responsibilities with his two sons. In a recent interview, Bernard mentioned that he will nominate two more of his children, Alexandre and Frédéric, to the LVMH board. This is only leaving one of his children off the board.


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FAQs

Who is Bernard Arnault?

Bernard Arnault is a French billionaire businessman who is the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, the world's largest luxury goods company.

How did Bernard Arnault become so wealthy?

Arnault inherited a construction business from his father and eventually pivoted the company into the luxury goods sector. He acquired several major brands and expanded the company's portfolio, which helped him become one of the richest people in the world.

What companies does Bernard Arnault own?

Arnault's main company is LVMH, which owns over 75 luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, and Sephora. He also has investments in other companies, like Carrefour and Netflix.

How much is Bernard Arnault worth?

Forbes estimates Bernard Arnault's net worth at $235 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world.

What is Bernard Arnault's educational background?

Bernard Arnault studied engineering at the École Polytechnique in Paris and then went on to attend the École des Mines de Paris, where he received a degree in engineering.

Has Bernard Arnault ever faced any controversy?

Yes, Arnault has faced controversy in the past. In the 1990s, he was involved in a highly publicized legal battle with French businessman François Pinault over control of the luxury goods company Gucci. He has also faced criticism for his company's use of fur and for allegations of labor abuses in some of his factories.

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