Is LVMH on the Hunt? Tiffany, Others Said in Its Sights

PARIS — LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton seems to have its appetite back for acquisitions — and big ones. Reports over the weekend suggested the French luxury group has held takeover talks with the premier American luxury brand, Tiffany & Co., a potential move at least one luxury analyst applauded. Separately, sources told WWD that LVMH also took a serious look at Prada earlier this year, but discussions stopped over the summer and no deal was concluded. Citing anonymous sources, both Bloomberg and French news wire AFP reported Saturday that LVMH approached Tiffany with a takeover proposal of $120 a share earlier this month, and that the American jewelry brand is evaluating the bid. There is no guarantee an agreement will be reached, Bloomberg cautioned. The Financial Times reported Sunday that Tiffany is expected to reject the offer. Both LVMH and Tiffany spokespeople had no comment on the reports. Acquiring the American luxury jewelry company would strengthen LVMH’s positioning in the jewelry segment. The French group owns Bulgari, which it bought in 2011 for $5.2 billion, along with Chaumet, Fred and the watch brands Tag Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. Francesco Trapani, former chief executive officer of Bulgari and head of LVMH’s watch and jewelry division, is

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