Business

The Arnault Family Exceeds 50% of LVMH’s Capital

By Eva Morletto25 février 2026

On Wednesday, the French Financial Markets Authority confirmed that Bernard Arnault and his family had increased their stake in LVMH to 50.01% of the capital and 65.94% of the voting rights, consolidating their control over the global luxury goods giant and reigniting speculation about long-term governance.

Bernard Arnault is the CEO and main shareholder of LVMH, with a 50.01% stake (Shutterstock)

The Arnault family has just reached a major symbolic milestone for the future of LVMH: as of February 19, 2026, its stake stands at 50.01% of the capital. It also holds 65.94% of the voting rights, notably through its holding companies Christian Dior SE and Financière Agache, according to documents filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF).

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A Strategic Threshold Crossed

Crossing the 50% capital threshold is a strategic turning point. It reflects the confidence of Bernard Arnault and his children in the group's prospects, despite a more difficult environment for the luxury industry, marked by a decline in LVMH's revenue (-1%) and net profit (-9%) in 2025.

This move is part of a long-term strategy. For several years, the Arnault family has been gradually increasing its stake through regular share purchases on the market. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 1.1 million shares have been purchased at valuation levels considered attractive.

A Strong Signal to the Markets

Bernard Arnault is thus sending a clear signal to the markets, affirming his desire to maintain strong and lasting family control, regardless of economic cycles. This logic has guided not only the group's expansion policy, through the acquisition of iconic brands, but also the gradual restructuring of its capital since Bernard Arnault's arrival in the 1980s, in order to guarantee stability and long-term vision.

With more than 50% of the capital now in its hands, the family has an absolute majority, giving it greater leeway in strategic decisions such as governance, future investments, and distribution policy. While LVMH is one of the most iconic stocks on the CAC 40, this consolidation could also fuel speculation about succession, with several family members already holding key positions within the group.

Key points

• Bernard Arnault's family now owns 50.01% of LVMH's capital.

• It controls 65.94% of voting rights via Christian Dior SE and Financière Agache.

• More than 1.1 million shares have been purchased since the beginning of 2026.

• The 50% threshold gives it an absolute majority stake.

• LVMH remains one of the largest companies by market capitalization on the CAC 40 index.

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