WHP Global and G-III Acquire Marc Jacobs from LVMH for $850 Million

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5.15.2026

Quick Facts

WHP Global and G-III will each contribute $425 million to acquire Marc Jacobs from LVMH in an $850 million deal
The transaction creates a 50-50 joint venture for brand ownership while G-III operates retail, e-commerce and wholesale under exclusive license
Marc Jacobs will continue as Creative Director while WHP Global expects to surpass $9.5 billion in global retail sales with the addition

LVMH will sell Marc Jacobs to WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group in an $850 million transaction that ends nearly three decades of ownership by the luxury conglomerate.

The deal announced May 14 structures the acquisition through a newly formed joint venture called MJ Topco. WHP Global and G-III will each hold 50% ownership of the brand’s intellectual property and assets. G-III will separately acquire and operate Marc Jacobs’ retail stores, e-commerce platform and wholesale distribution under a long-term exclusive license agreement.

G-III will fund its $425 million contribution using cash and its revolving credit facility. The apparel company expects the transaction to close in its fiscal third quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.

“Marc Jacobs is one of the most influential names in fashion,” said Morris Goldfarb, G-III Chairman and CEO. “This transaction underscores our long-standing commitment to building a diversified portfolio of iconic, globally relevant brands.”

LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault praised Marc Jacobs’ “rare creativity and unique vision” while expressing confidence the brand will find “new avenues of opportunity” under its new ownership structure.

The acquisition adds Marc Jacobs to WHP Global’s fashion portfolio, which includes Vera Wang, rag & bone and G-STAR. With the addition, WHP Global expects to surpass $9.5 billion in global retail sales.

Marc Jacobs founded his eponymous brand with Robert Duffy in 1984. LVMH acquired a majority stake in 1997 during the brand’s rise to prominence in the early 2000s. The fashion house later struggled to maintain momentum and underwent strategic shifts to establish a sustainable business model.

Media reports indicate Marc Jacobs has returned to profitability after years of challenges. LVMH previously explored selling the brand in 2023, initially seeking a $1 billion valuation according to Wall Street Journal reports.

The divestiture reflects LVMH’s broader portfolio optimization strategy amid weakening luxury market conditions. The conglomerate has recently sold its stake in Stella McCartney and divested Virgil Abloh’s label, while reportedly considering sales of beauty brands including Fenty Beauty.

Marc Jacobs will retain his role as Founder and Creative Director following the transaction’s completion, ensuring continuity in the brand’s creative leadership during the ownership transition.