LVMH, a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate, agreed to acquire Tiffany & Co, American luxury jewelry and specialty retailer headquartered in New York City, for $16.2bn.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome Tiffany, a company with an unparalleled heritage and unique position in the global jewelry world, to the LVMH family. We have an immense respect and admiration for Tiffany and intend to develop this jewel with the same dedication and commitment that we have applied to each and every one of our Maisons. We will be proud to have Tiffany sit alongside our iconic brands and look forward to ensuring that Tiffany continues to thrive for centuries to come,” Bernard Arnault, LVMH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Stockholders at Tiffany held a special meeting on February 4, 2020 voted ‘overwhelmingly’ in favor of the merger agreement, which was revealed in November.
LVMH is to acquire the global luxury jeweler for $135 per share in cash as part of a definitive agreement. The transaction is set to finalise in the middle of this year pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.
Tiffany & Co board of directors chair Roger Farah said: “Following a strategic review that included a thoughtful internal process and expert external advice, the board has concluded that this transaction with LVMH provides an exciting path forward with a group that appreciates and will invest in Tiffany’s unique assets and strong human capital, while delivering a compelling price with value certainty to our shareholders.”
Alessandro Bogliolo, Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany, said: “Tiffany has been focused on executing on our key strategic priorities to drive sustainable long-term growth. This transaction, which occurs at a time of internal transformation for our legendary brand, will
provide further support, resources and momentum for those priorities as we evolve towards becoming The Next Generation Luxury Jeweler. As part of the LVMH group, Tiffany will reach new heights, capitalizing on its remarkable internal expertise, unparalleled craftsmanship and strong cultural values.”
About Tiffany & Co.:
In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany founded his company in New York City where his store was soon acclaimed as the palace of jewels for its exceptional gemstones. Since then, TIFFANY & CO. has become synonymous with elegance, innovative design, fine craftsmanship and creative excellence. During the 20th century its fame thrived worldwide with store network expansion and continuous cultural relevance, as exemplified by Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the film starring Audrey Hepburn.