Burberry, owned by Great Universal Stores, is seen as a likely target and Gruppo GFT has already made preliminary soundings. Its brand is already established and there is scope for expansion. Other targets include Mulberry and Calvin Klein, which is already up for sale. Ralph Lauren is another possibility. Again Lauren is a family business.
But the big prize would be Chanel, controlled by the Wert-heimer family. Chanel cut the pattern for a modern fashion business by moving seamlessly from haute couture to mainstream with its perfume and make-up.
‘Chanel is one of the most desirable brands. It is brilliantly managed. The challenge is to prevent it being too popular,’ says Blackett. It is a challenge the new fashion giants are happy to take up.
WHO OWNS WHAT BRANDS
LVMH
Fashion Loewe, Celine, Berluti, Kenzo, Givenchy, Christian Lacroix, Fred Joaillier, Thomas Pink (controlling stake), Christian louboutin (51% stake with Prada)
Fragrances and cosmetics Christian Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy, Kenzo
Luxury goods Louis Vuitton Malletier, Tag Heuer (51% stake)
VENDOME
Fashion Chlo,Christian Louboutin Shoes, Hackett
Luxury goods Cartier, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, Sulka, Vacherin Constantin, Lancel, Seeger, Alfred Dunhill, Montblanc, Purdey guns
GUCCI
Fashion Gucci and trying to buy YSL brand for $ 1bn
Fragrances and cosmetics Gucci, Envy
Luxury goods Gucci
PRADA
Fashion Prada, Prada Sport, Miu Miu, Jil Sander, Christian louboutin (51% stake with LVMH) Church’s (72% stake)
Luxury goods Granello