Malte Karstan writes on LinkedIn: Over the past three and a half decades, Richemont has masterfully built the world’s second-largest luxury group (€20.5B in revenue as of 2024), combining heritage, craftsmanship, and selective expansion.

Each acquisition added a unique piece to a diversified and resilient brand house. Here’s a walk through Richemont’s journey — brand by brand:

1988 Formation:

Richemont is created by merging stakes in some of the world’s finest maisons:

• Cartier: The “Jeweler of Kings,” Cartier has been the group’s beating heart since day one.
• Piaget: Master of ultra-thin watchmaking and fine jewelry.
• Dunhill: British luxury menswear and accessories.
• Rothmans: Tobacco holding, later divested.
• Montblanc: Icon of fine writing instruments and accessories.
• Baume & Mercier: Elegant, accessible Swiss watchmaking.
• Chloé: Parisian fashion house blending femininity and modernity.

1990s–Early 2000s:

Expanding Jewelry and Watches

• Van Cleef & Arpels (1999): Acquired to complement Cartier, famed for high jewelry craftsmanship (~$400M deal).
• Lancel (1997, later divested): Leather goods focused on accessible luxury.
• Panerai (1997): Italian military watches reimagined for modern luxury.
• Vacheron Constantin (1996): Oldest Swiss watchmaker, a symbol of horological prestige.
• Purdey (1994): British gunsmith and luxury sporting brand.
• Hackett London (1992, divested): Classic British menswear.

Strengthening Watchmaking Mastery

• Jaeger-LeCoultre (2000): “Watchmaker’s watchmaker,” technical excellence and timeless design.
• IWC Schaffhausen (2000): Rugged engineering-driven Swiss watches.
• A. Lange & Söhne (2000): Germany’s answer to haute horlogerie.

2000s:

Expanding into Digital and Lifestyle

• Peter Millar (2012): American luxury sportswear brand, strong in golf lifestyle.
• YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group (2015): Bold step into luxury e-commerce (~$2.7B acquisition).
• Manufacture Roger Dubuis (2008): Geneva-based house known for avant-garde haute horlogerie.
• Maison Alaïa (2007): Legendary fashion house of sculptural, body-conscious designs.

2010s–2020s:

Craftsmanship and New Horizons

• Buccellati (2019): Milanese jewelry house celebrated for Renaissance-inspired designs (~$230M deal).
• Watchfinder (2018): Pioneer in the booming secondary luxury watch market.
• Delvaux (2021): World’s oldest fine leather goods maison, Belgian understated elegance.
• Gianvito Rossi (2023): Italian footwear designer known for modern elegance.
• Serapian Milano (2017): Milanese atelier specializing in discreet leather luxury.

In just 35 years, hashtag#Richemont grew from €3.6B to over €20.5B in revenue, with a steady 5% CAGR.

Each acquisition wasn’t just about size — it was about protecting heritage, nurturing craftsmanship, and creating lasting desirability.

Luxury built through disciplined acquisitions.