LVMH has acquired a majority stake in niche French fragrance brand Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
The deal sees renowned perfumer and Co-founder Francis Kurkdjian continue as Creative Director, and Co-founder Marc Chaya, who worked at Ernst & Young for 12 years, remain as CEO.
The brand will sit alongside LVMH's other premium fragrance brands including Acqua di Parma, Givenchy Parfums and Perfumes Loewe.
The acquisition is anticipated to support Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s growth, with a focus on international markets, without sacrificing on character or creative freedom.
Speaking of the acquisition, Kurkdjian said: “I have always championed my personal conception of beauty and respect for the métier of perfumer-creator.
“Maison Francis Kurkdjian lets me freely express my inspirations. LVMH clearly understands the nature of our maison, and the group’s approach to custom-crafted creativity guarantees that our distinctive identity will thrive for the long-term.”
Francis Kurkdjian has operated in a unique position in the niche perfumery sector for more than 20 years.
While his eponymously-named brand is prized for its atypical take on fragrance composition, Kurkdjian has also worked on creating scents for numerous high profile brands including several owned by LVMH including: Acqua di Parma, Christian Dior, Guerlain and, most recently, Kenzo.
He has also been the nose of fragrances by Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier, Juliette Has a Gun and Narciso Rodriguez.
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH, said he is “delighted” to welcome the maison into the LVMH family.
“Their avant-garde spirit and the quality of their creations give this fragrance house great potential and a promising future.”
