MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN acquired by LVMH
Context
LVMH acquired a 61% controlling majority stake in Maison Francis Kurkdjian in a highly strategic, friendly transaction designed to accelerate the niche fragrance house's global expansion. The deal was structured via a definitive share purchase agreement under which the French conglomerate bought out the majority position while the remaining 39% of the capital stayed tightly controlled by the founding partners, Marc Chaya and Francis Kurkdjian. The transaction immediately integrates the boutique perfumer into LVMH's institutional infrastructure, granting the brand significant logistical backing, real estate leverage for retail expansion, and enhanced procurement power, while strictly preserving its creative independence, unique brand identity, and standard-setting artisanal quality.
By taking control of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Lvmh continues its expansion strategy. Previously, the group had completed 2 acquisitions, including Rimowa in 2016.
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2017, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , a level to compare with the average currently observed in the Retail & Consumer sector (11.2x).
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Target
Maison Francis Kurkdjian is an ultra-premium niche French perfume house that blends traditional high-end craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. Founded in 2009 by world-renowned master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and former Ernst & Young partner Marc Chaya, the brand pioneered the concept of an "olfactory wardrobe," treating fragrances as fashion statements. Its economic model relies on high-margin, exclusive fragrance collections distributed through an ultra-selective network of standalone boutiques and premium global stockists. The organization operates seven flagship boutiques across major international luxury hubs (including Paris, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Dubai) and maintains a commercial footprint across 40 countries through 500 elite retail doors. Strategically, the firm represents the vanguard of the "new generation" of independent haute parfumerie, a segment experiencing explosive growth as luxury consumers increasingly migrate away from mass-market prestige fragrances toward unique, artisanal creations.
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REFERENCES
Revenue range: 10M - 30M EUR
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Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Press release: view release
Target: maison francis kurkdjian
Acquirer: lvmh