(Reuters) – Prada struck a deal to buy smaller rival Versace from Capri Holdings on Thursday in a move to unite two of the biggest names in Italian fashion. The deal has an enterprise value of $1.375 billion, Prada said.
Here are ten of the biggest luxury acquisitions by value globally in recent years, in order of size:
ESSILORLUXOTTICA MERGER
In January 2017, Italian eyewear giant Luxottica merged with French lens maker Essilor in a 46 billion euros ($49 billion) deal, creating the world’s largest eyewear group.
LVMH’s TIFFANY ACQUISITION
In November 2019, France’s LVMH reached a definitive agreement to acquire U.S. jewelry giant Tiffany & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $16.2 billion.
LVMH OWNER BERNARD ARNAULT TAKES OVER CHRISTIAN DIOR
In April 2017, French billionaire and LVMH owner Bernard Arnault consolidated his control over Christian Dior holding company via a 12-billion-euro transaction.
Under a series of complex deals, LVMH bought the Christian Dior Couture brand from the Christian Dior holding company for 6.5 billion euros, including debt.
JAB RAISES COTY STAKE
In February 2019, JAB Holding increased its stake in beauty company Coty Inc. to 60% from 40% in a deal valued at up to $11.65 per share, totalling about $9.4 billion.
NESTLÉ TRIMS L’ORÉAL STAKE
In February 2014, L’Oréal bought back 8% of its own shares from Switzerland’s Nestlé for 6.5 billion euros. As of March 2025, the Swiss group is L’Oréal’s second-biggest shareholder, with a 20.1% stake.
LMVH’s BULGARI ACQUISITION
In March 2011, France’s LVMH bought Italian peer Bulgari for 3.7 billion euros.
KERING SNAPS UP CREED
In June 2023, Gucci-owner Kering paid 3.5 billion euros to acquire high-end French fragrance label Creed.
ESTEE LAUDER ACQUIRES TOM FORD
Estee Lauder agreed to buy U.S. fashion label Tom Ford for $2.8 billion in November 2022, adding a line of beauty products and apparel to the Clinique brand owner’s portfolio.
L’ORÉAL BUYS AESOP
L’Oréal acquired Australian luxury brand Aesop from Natura & Co for around $2.5 billion in April 2023, growing its presence in high-end cosmetics with an eye to international expansion, including in China.
COACH BUYS KATE SPADE
Handbag maker Coach bought Kate Spade & Co for $2.4 billion in May 2017 in an attempt to tap the popularity of its smaller rival’s quirky satchels and totes among millennials.
(1 euro = $1.0829)
(Reporting by Jesus Calero and Alberto Chiumento. Editing by Mark Potter)
