Bernard Arnault Net Worth, Age, Early Life, Education, Releationships, Controversies and much more
Bernard Arnault is a French businessman and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, the world’s largest luxury goods company. In this blog post, we will explore Bernard Arnault’s net worth, age, early life, education, family, and relationships.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Bernard Arnault’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in the world. His wealth comes primarily from his holdings in LVMH, which owns luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, and Givenchy.
Age
Bernard Arnault was born on March 5, 1949, which makes him 73 years old as of 2023. Despite his age, he remains actively involved in the management of LVMH and continues to expand the company’s portfolio of luxury brands.
Early Life and Education
Bernard Arnault was born in Roubaix, a city in northern France. His father, Jean Leon Arnault, was a manufacturer and owner of a civil engineering company. Bernard Arnault graduated from the École Polytechnique in Paris with a degree in engineering and later received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC).
Family
Bernard Arnault is married to Hélène Mercier, a Canadian pianist, and the couple has five children together. Arnault’s children are involved in various aspects of the family business, with his son Antoine serving as the CEO of Berluti, a subsidiary of LVMH that specializes in luxury men’s clothing and accessories.
Relationships
Bernard Arnault is known for being a private person and keeps his personal life away from the public eye. He rarely gives interviews and prefers to let his business accomplishments speak for themselves.
Career
After completing his education, Bernard Arnault joined his father’s company, Ferret-Savinel, where he worked for several years before starting his own venture in the construction industry. He later founded Financière Agache, a holding company that invested in a range of businesses, including the French fashion house Christian Dior.
In 1985, Bernard Arnault acquired a controlling stake in the luxury goods company Louis Vuitton, which was struggling at the time. He transformed the company into a global luxury brand by expanding its product line and establishing partnerships with other luxury brands.
Under Arnault’s leadership, LVMH has continued to expand its portfolio of luxury brands, acquiring companies such as Bulgari, Fendi, and Tiffany & Co. In 2019, LVMH acquired the American jewelry company, Tiffany & Co., for $16.2 billion, making it one of the largest luxury goods acquisitions in history.
Philanthropy
Bernard Arnault is also known for his philanthropic activities. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and causes, including the Fondation Louis Vuitton, which supports contemporary art and culture. In 2019, Arnault and his family pledged €200 million to help rebuild the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after it was damaged in a fire.
Controversies
Bernard Arnault has been involved in several controversies over the years. In 2012, he applied for Belgian citizenship, which caused a backlash in France, where he was accused of attempting to avoid paying taxes. Arnault later withdrew his application for Belgian citizenship and reaffirmed his commitment to France.
In 2019, Arnault and his company LVMH were accused of misappropriating funds from the French government’s COVID-19 relief program. The allegations were denied by LVMH, and the company was cleared of any wrongdoing by French authorities.
