Bernard Arnault is a French billionaire businessman, investor, and art collector. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company. Arnault is also a major shareholder in Christian Dior SE and Hermès International.
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Bernard Arnault Net Worth
According to Forbes, Bernard Arnault’s net worth is estimated to be US$178.3 billion as of October 2023, making him the richest person in France and the second richest person in the world. His net worth is primarily derived from his ownership of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company.
Arnault’s net worth has fluctuated over the years, but it has generally trended upwards. His net worth reached a peak of US$198.4 billion in August 2021, but it has since declined slightly. The decline is due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a negative impact on the global luxury goods market.
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Companies
Bernard Arnault is the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company. LVMH owns over 75 brands, including:
- Fashion: Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Céline, Berluti, Loewe, Pucci, Donna Karan, Moynat, Rimowa
- Watches and jewelry: TAG Heuer, Bulgari, Hublot, Chaumet, Fred
- Cosmetics: Sephora, Guerlain, Make Up For Ever, Fresh, Benefit, Kenzo Parfums, Givenchy Parfums, Fendi Parfums, Acqua di Parma
- Wines and spirits: Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Krug, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Newton, Cape Mentelle, Cheval des Andes, Numanthia, Terrazas de los Andes, Château d’Yquem, Château Cheval Blanc, Château d’Esclans, Château de Beaucastel
In addition to LVMH, Arnault also owns a controlling stake in Christian Dior SE and Hermès International. Christian Dior SE owns the fashion house of the same name, as well as other brands such as Givenchy and Celine. Hermès International is a French luxury goods company that produces leather goods, ready-to-wear, silk and textiles, perfumes, watches, and home furnishings.
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Real Estate Properties
- Indigo Island, Bahamas: A 135-acre private island in the Exumas archipelago, worth an estimated $300 million. The island has its own airstrip, marina, and several luxury homes, as well as a private beach, swimming pools, tennis courts, and other amenities.
- Paris, France: A 12-bedroom, 12-bathroom penthouse on Avenue Montaigne, worth an estimated $76 million. The penthouse has a ballroom, library, dining room, private lake, wine cellar, tennis court, and underground parking space. It also offers panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées.
- Los Angeles, California: A portfolio of multiple properties worth an estimated $96.4 million, including a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills, a 12,000-square-foot estate in Trousdale Estates, and a 6,000-square-foot home in the Hollywood Hills. All of Arnault’s Los Angeles properties are located in exclusive neighborhoods and offer stunning views of the city.
- Courchevel, France: A ski chalet in the exclusive Courchevel 1850 resort, worth an estimated $50 million. The chalet has 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a private movie theater, spa, and wine cellar. It also offers stunning views of the Alps.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France: A vineyard in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region, worth an estimated $10 million. The vineyard produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world, including Château d’Yquem and Château Cheval Blanc.
- Saint-Tropez, France: A 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom estate on the French Riviera, worth an estimated $70 million. The estate has a private beach, swimming pool, tennis court, and several outbuildings. It is located in one of the most exclusive areas of Saint-Tropez.
- London, England: A townhouse in the affluent Belgravia neighborhood, worth an estimated $20 million. The townhouse has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a private garden. It is located within walking distance of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge.
- New York City, USA: A penthouse in the iconic Sherry-Netherland Hotel, worth an estimated $80 million. The penthouse has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a private terrace with panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
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Private Jet
Bernard Arnault sold his private jet in 2022 in order to avoid public scrutiny of his travel habits. However, he is still able to charter private jets whenever he needs to travel.
Arnault’s previous private jet was a Dassault Falcon 7X, which is a long-range business jet with a capacity of up to 14 passengers. The Falcon 7X has a cruising speed of 528 mph and a range of 5,920 miles.
The value of a Falcon 7X varies depending on its age, condition, and configuration, but it typically costs around $50 million new. Arnault’s Falcon 7X was estimated to be worth around $40 million at the time he sold it.
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Yacht
Bernard Arnault owns a single yacht, called Symphony. It is a 101.5-meter (333-foot) Feadship superyacht that was launched in 2015.
Symphony is one of the largest and most luxurious yachts in the world. It features six decks, eight guest cabins, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a helipad, and a cinema. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology and security features.
The estimated worth of Symphony is around $150 million.
Arnault is a passionate yachtsman and has owned several yachts over the years. He previously owned a yacht called Amadeus, which he sold in 2016. Symphony is his most recent and most impressive yacht.
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Early Life and Education
Bernard Arnault was born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France. His father, Jean Arnault, was a construction magnate. Arnault’s early life was relatively uneventful. He attended the École Polytechnique, a prestigious engineering school in Paris, where he graduated in 1971.
After graduating, Arnault joined his father’s construction firm, Ferret-Savinel. He took control of the company in 1971 and renamed it Férinel Inc. Arnault shifted the company’s focus to real estate and made a fortune in the 1970s.
In 1984, Arnault bought Boussac, a bankrupt French textile company. Boussac owned Christian Dior, a prize Arnault had coveted for years. He sold off most of Boussac’s other assets and reinvested the cash into Dior.
In 1987, Arnault acquired Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy, two iconic French companies. He merged the two companies to form LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company.
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Sister
Bernard Arnault has one sibling, a sister named Dominique Watine-Arnault. She is three years older than Bernard.
Dominique Watine-Arnault is a French businesswoman and investor. She is the daughter of Jean Arnault, a construction magnate, and Marie-Josèphe Savinel, a concert pianist. She is the younger sister of Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company.
Dominique Watine-Arnault graduated from the École Polytechnique, a prestigious engineering school in Paris. After graduating, she joined her father’s construction firm, Ferret-Savinel. She helped to expand the company into new markets and played a key role in its success.
In 1985, Dominique Watine-Arnault left Ferret-Savinel to start her own investment firm, Watine Capital. The firm has invested in a variety of companies, including LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Hermès International.
Dominique Watine-Arnault is a member of the board of directors of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior SE. She is also a member of the supervisory board of Hermès International.
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Wife
Bernard Arnault’s wife is Hélène Mercier. She is a Canadian concert pianist.
Arnault and Mercier met in 1990 through mutual friends. They were married in 1991 and have three sons together.
Hélène Mercier is a private person and does not often appear in the public eye. However, she has accompanied her husband to some high-profile events, such as the Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival.
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Children
Bernard Arnault has five children: Delphine, Antoine, Alexandre, Frédéric, and Jean.
Delphine Arnault (born 1975) is the executive vice president of Louis Vuitton and the CEO of Christian Dior Couture.
Antoine Arnault (born 1977) is the CEO of Berluti and the head of communications, image, and environment for LVMH.
Alexandre Arnault (born 1992) is the executive vice president of Tiffany & Co.
Frédéric Arnault (born 1994) is the CEO of TAG Heuer.
Jean Arnault (born 1998) is the director of marketing and development for Louis Vuitton watches.
All five of Arnault’s children are involved in the family business. They are all highly educated and have held various positions at LVMH and its subsidiaries. Arnault has said that he is preparing his children to take over the business one day.
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FAQs
How much money does bernard arnault have?
According to Forbes, Bernard Arnault’s net worth is estimated to be US$178.3 billion as of October 2023.
How much does bernard arnault make a day?
In 2022, LVMH generated revenue of €64.4 billion and profit of €17.1 billion. Arnault owns approximately 47% of LVMH, which means that his share of the company’s profit in 2022 was around €8 billion. If we assume that Arnault’s income is evenly distributed throughout the year, then he makes an average of around €22 million per day.
