LVMH Q2 Sales Climb 19%, Offsetting Slower China

A logo of LVMH is seen at its exhibition space, at the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France June 15, 2022. (Reuters)
A logo of LVMH is seen at its exhibition space, at the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France June 15, 2022. (Reuters)
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LVMH Q2 Sales Climb 19%, Offsetting Slower China

A logo of LVMH is seen at its exhibition space, at the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France June 15, 2022. (Reuters)
A logo of LVMH is seen at its exhibition space, at the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France June 15, 2022. (Reuters)

Sales at LVMH, the world's largest luxury group, rose by 19% in the three months to June, as robust growth in the US and China helped it offset a new round of lockdowns in China.

LVMH, which owns dozens of high-end labels such as Tiffany, said sales came to 18.73 billion euros ($18.95 billion) in the second quarter, beating analyst expectations for 17.13 billion euros in a Visible Alpha consensus cited by UBS.

The growth pace in the second quarter was a tad slower than in the first three months of 2022, when group sales had climbed by 23%.

Demand for fashion and leather goods from its star labels Louis Vuitton and Dior eased up slightly from high levels at the start of the year, rising by 19% in the quarter, as flows of travelling shoppers returning to Europe helped to mitigate disruptions to business in China.

LVMH has been tapping into strong, post-pandemic demand for its designer labels as socializing resumes and shoppers continue to spend savings from lockdowns, brushing off concerns about turbulent stock markets and rising prices.

The company's strong second quarter is setting the tone for rivals, with Gucci-owner Kering reporting its own first half results on July 27 and Hermes on July 29.



Report: L'Oreal in Talks to Buy Migros’ South Korean Cosmetic Unit

The logo of French cosmetics group L'Oreal is seen on a company building in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. (Reuters)
The logo of French cosmetics group L'Oreal is seen on a company building in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. (Reuters)
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Report: L'Oreal in Talks to Buy Migros’ South Korean Cosmetic Unit

The logo of French cosmetics group L'Oreal is seen on a company building in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. (Reuters)
The logo of French cosmetics group L'Oreal is seen on a company building in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. (Reuters)

French cosmetics giant L'Oreal is in final talks to acquire the South Korean skincare business Gowoonsesang Cosmetics owned by Mibelle Group, a unit of Swiss retailer Migros, according to two sources with knowledge of the deal.

An announcement could be made as soon as Monday, one of the people said.

A spokesperson for Migros said it did not comment on market rumors. L'Oreal did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Mibelle acquired its stake in South Korean Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, which sells skin care products under the Dr.G brand, in 2018.

In February, Migros announced a strategic review for Mibelle Group, saying it wanted to find a new owner for the business.

Mibelle produces cosmetics for its own brands, including Dr.G, Imbue., Lee Stafford, and Mine, as well as for other brands, according to its website.

Dr.G is the No. 1 facial care line in the Korean dermocosmetics market, according to the Mibelle website.

Spanish investment bank Alantra was hired as adviser after the strategic review, to look for buyers for the business, one of the sources said.

A spokesperson for Alantra declined to comment.

Mibelle employs 1,615 people in five countries, with revenues of 661 million Swiss francs ($739.04)in 2023, according to its website.