Gucci’s parent company, Kering (PRTP.PA), announced on October 20 that it will sell its beauty division — centered around high-end fragrance house Creed — to L’Oréal for €4 billion
($4.67 billion).
The sale comes just two years after Kering acquired Creed for €3.5 billion, marking a strategic shift as the French luxury group refocuses on its core fashion and leather goods business.
Below is a look at ten of the largest luxury industry deals in recent years, ranked by value:
- Essilor and Luxottica merger – €46 billion ($49 billion)
In January 2017, Italian eyewear maker Luxottica merged with French lens manufacturer Essilor, creating EssilorLuxottica, now the world’s largest eyewear group.
- LVMH buys Tiffany & Co. – $16.2 billion
In November 2019, French luxury giant LVMH struck a deal to acquire U.S. jeweler Tiffany & Co. in an all-cash transaction worth $16.2 billion, expanding its dominance in high-end jewelry.
- Bernard Arnault’s takeover of Christian Dior – €12 billion
In April 2017, Bernard Arnault, the billionaire behind LVMH, consolidated his empire by taking full control of Christian Dior SE in a €12 billion deal. As part of the complex transaction, LVMH acquired the Christian Dior Couture fashion house for €6.5 billion, including debt.
- JAB increases Coty Stake – $9.4 billion
In February 2019, JAB Holding Company raised its ownership in beauty giant Coty Inc. from 40% to 60%, paying up to $11.65 per share, for a total deal value of about $9.4 billion.
- Nestlé sells part of L’Oréal stake – €6.5 billion
Back in February 2014, L’Oréal bought back 8% of its shares from Nestlé for €6.5 billion. As of October 2025, Nestlé remains L’Oréal’s second-largest shareholder, holding about 20.16%, according to LSEG data.
- LVMH acquires Bulgari – €3.7 billion
In March 2011, LVMH added another jewel to its portfolio by purchasing Italian luxury brand Bulgari in a €3.7 billion deal.
- Estée Lauder buys Tom Ford – $2.8 billion
In November 2022, Estée Lauder acquired the U.S. fashion label Tom Ford for $2.8 billion, bringing the designer’s beauty line fully under its umbrella and expanding its reach into luxury apparel.
- L’Oréal acquires Aesop – $2.5 billion
In April 2023, L’Oréal bought Australian skincare brand Aesop from Natura & Co for around $2.5 billion, strengthening its high-end cosmetics division and paving the way for growth in Asia, especially China.
- Coach buys Kate Spade – $2.4 billion
In May 2017, handbag maker Coach purchased Kate Spade & Co. for $2.4 billion, betting on the younger brand’s popularity among millennial shoppers.
- Prada acquires Versace – €1.375 billion
In April 2025, Prada announced it would acquire fellow Italian fashion house Versace from Capri Holdings for €1.375 billion, uniting two of Italy’s most iconic luxury brands under one roof.
From eyewear and fragrances to couture and handbags, these megadeals highlight how consolidation continues to reshape the global luxury landscape — with Europe’s biggest players leading the charge. Photo by Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, Wikimedia commons.