LVMH sheds Marc Jacobs brand with $925m sale

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 3, 2026

LVMH has sold the Marc Jacobs brand for $925 million to a joint venture between WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group, marking its fifth divestment since the luxury market slowdown after the pandemic. The deal allows Marc Jacobs to maintain its leadership while the new owners plan to expand the brand's presence, focusing on ready-to-wear and accessible product lines that have shown strong growth.

LVMH has completed the sale of the Marc Jacobs brand for $925 million to a joint venture between WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group, marking the luxury conglomerate’s fifth divestment since the onset of a slowdown in the luxury goods market following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The transaction, finalized recently, includes an equal ownership split between WHP Global and G-III, with each acquiring a 50 percent stake for $425 million. In addition, G-III, a U.S.-based apparel company, purchased Marc Jacobs’ operating business, which encompasses over 100 retail locations primarily across the United States and Europe, increasing its total investment by $75 million. The initial asking price for the brand was reportedly close to $1 billion.

This sale forms part of LVMH’s broader strategy to streamline its portfolio amid challenging market conditions. Since 2020, the group has completed five divestitures, including the sale of a controlling interest in Off-White to Bluestar Alliance in 2024 and the return of its minority stake in Stella McCartney to the brand’s founder earlier this year. Since LVMH’s founding in 1987, it has sold eight brands in total.

LVMH has faced headwinds in the global luxury sector. Its shares have declined by around 31.6 percent to €439 since the start of 2026. While the company reported a 1 percent growth in fashion and leather goods sales to €8.9 billion in the second quarter—the first quarterly increase in two years—it fell short of analysts’ expectations, which forecast a 1.7 percent rise.

Marc Jacobs will retain its current leadership, with Marc Jacobs continuing as creative director and Eric Marechalle, who was appointed chief executive in 2017, staying in his role. Yehuda Shmidman, CEO of WHP Global, indicated that the joint venture plans to maintain existing leadership while focusing on further growth.

Marc Jacobs expressed optimism about the brand’s future, emphasizing a vision of expanding its “democratic and commercial offering,” particularly within the ready-to-wear segment, which has demonstrated strong performance. LVMH highlighted the brand’s recent successes with its Heaven line, aimed at Gen Z consumers, as well as growth in more affordable categories, including accessories and sportswear.

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