French luxury conglomerate LVMH is divesting Marc Jacobs after 30 years, selling the brand to a joint venture formed by WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group. The transaction is expected to conclude by year-end, with founder Marc Jacobs continuing in his role as the brand’s Creative Director.
While specific financial terms were not disclosed, regulatory filings indicate that both WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group will each contribute $425 million (£314 million) to finance the acquisition. This 50/50 partnership encompasses Marc Jacobs’ intellectual property. G-III, which already manages brands like Karl Lagerfeld and DKNY, will acquire and operate specific components of the brand’s global direct-to-consumer and wholesale operations. Concurrently, WHP Global will take charge of licensing. WHP Global intends to integrate Marc Jacobs as a key brand within its premium fashion portfolio, which currently features Vera Wang, Rag & Bone, and G-STAR.
The Marc Jacobs brand, established in 1984 by its namesake designer, boasts a significant global presence and a diverse product range including handbags, small leather goods, ready-to-wear, footwear, eyewear, and fragrance. LVMH initially secured a majority stake in the label in 1997, the same year Jacobs began his tenure as Creative Director at Louis Vuitton.
Reflecting on the change, Marc Jacobs expressed profound gratitude: “I am forever grateful to Bernard Arnault for his support, belief and trust in me over the last 30 years. It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside the Arnault Family and LVMH. I remain committed in my role as Creative Director of Marc Jacobs International and look forward to this bright new chapter.” Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, reciprocated, stating, “Marc Jacobs is a designer of rare creativity and unique vision. His impact on the world of fashion is undeniable, and I want to warmly thank him for his contribution to the success of the Maison and the LVMH Group over the last 30 years. I am confident that this new chapter will offer new avenues of opportunity for Marc Jacobs, that the brand and its designer will continue to inspire customers and creators around the world.”
This divestiture occurs amid a challenging luxury market, partially impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, which contributed to a roughly 1% reduction in LVMH’s organic growth for the first quarter of 2026. LVMH’s broader strategy involves rationalizing its assets, and the sale of Marc Jacobs aligns with its ongoing focus on brand development through investment, product innovation, and controlled distribution, while remaining vigilant of the evolving market environment.
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