Bernard Arnault is one of the richest men in the world, with an estimated net worth over billion dollars. The French businessman is the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, which owns brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Sephora. Behind this business tycoon, however, stands a powerful woman – his wife Hélène Mercier-Arnault.
While Bernard may take the spotlight in the business world, Hélène plays a crucial role behind-the-scenes in supporting her husband’s success. She comes from a wealthy family herself, and the couple has been married for three decades. This article will explore more about Bernard’s first wife and his current wife, specifically about who is she and what does she do.
Who is Bernard Arnault?
Bernard Arnault is a French businessman and one of the richest people in the world. He is the chairman and CEO of LVMH, a luxury goods company that owns brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Sephora. Arnault started his career working for his family’s construction company before buying the bankrupt textile company Christian Dior in the 1980s.
Through a series of savvy business deals and acquisitions, he built LVMH into the largest luxury goods group in the world. Arnault has a net worth estimated at over $150 billion, making him one of the top 5 wealthiest people globally. He is known for his business acumen, drive, and ambition in the competitive luxury market.
Bernard Arnault & His Wives
Bernard Arnault values his family deeply, and his relationships with his wives and children have played a pivotal role in shaping both his personal life and his towering success in the business world.
Anne Dewavrin
Anne Dewavrin, born on May 19, 1950, in Hauts-de-France, is the first wife of Bernard Arnault. They got married on April 7, 1973, in Roubaix, France. Anne and Bernard were often seen together at various art galleries and museums, as Bernard Arnault is known for his passion for art collection.
During their marriage, Anne and Bernard had two children. Their first child, a daughter named Delphine, was born in 1975, followed by a son named Antoine in 1977. They also have three grandchildren: Elisa Niel, Maxim Arnault, and Roman Arnault.
However, after seventeen years of marriage, Anne and Bernard decided to part ways in 1990. The exact reason behind their separation remains unknown, but it is rumored that Bernard met his current spouse, Hélène Mercier, in 1989, and they fell in love the following year.
Even after their divorce, both of Anne’s children, Delphine and Antoine, continued their involvement in the family business. Delphine Arnault became the Executive Vice President of Louis Vuitton, while Antoine Arnault assumed the role of Vice-Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior SE, which is the holding company of LVMH, a renowned luxury brand.
After her divorce from Bernard Arnault, Anne remarried Patrice de Maistre in September 2001 in France. Patrice is known as a wealth management tycoon. Anne prefers to keep her personal life private, so not much is known about her activities. However, she occasionally appears in public with Patrice.
Hélène Mercier
Bernard Arnault married his second wife Hélène Mercier in 1991. Mercier is an accomplished concert pianist from Montreal, Canada.
Mercier began studying piano at the young age of 6 at the Vincent d’Indy School of Music. She went on to achieve top honors at music competitions in Quebec and Canada during her childhood. As a teenager, Mercier continued her piano studies at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York.
Throughout her career, Mercier has collaborated and performed with renowned musicians like Vladimir Spivakov, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Brigitte Engerer. She has played at major concert halls around the world. In 2018, she had the honor of performing at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., showcasing two-piano works by composers such as Rachmaninoff.
Bernard Arnault’s Children with Mercier are enjoying a royal life, namely Alexandre, Frédéric, and Jean. Their children have taken on important leadership roles within their father’s LVMH luxury empire. Mercier has been by Arnault’s side at high-profile events, including a 2023 dinner hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Versailles.
In addition to her musical career, Mercier along with Arnault pledged €200 million to support rebuilding efforts after the devastating 2019 Notre Dame cathedral fire in Paris. She continues to perform while also fulfilling her role as Arnault’s wife and mother to their three sons.
What Does Bernard Arnault Own
Bernard Arnault is the CEO and chairman of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company. Through LVMH, Arnault owns over 70 prestigious brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, Bulgari, Sephora, and Tiffany & Co. He owns full or partial control of these luxury brands across products like fashion, leather goods, wines and spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, and watches and jewelry. Arnault has a net worth estimated at over $150 billion, making him one of the richest men in the world thanks to his ownership of the profitable LVMH luxury empire.
Bernard Arnault Net Worth
As of February 10, 2024, Bernard Arnault is super rich. His estimated net worth is a whopping $218 billion, according to Forbes. He’s currently the richest person in the world, beating out Elon Musk, who held the title in January. Arnault’s huge wealth comes from owning fancy brands like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. Being at the top of the wealth ladder means he’s got more money than just about anyone else on the planet right now.
Final Words
Bernard Arnault’s immense wealth and business empire is a testament to his vision, risk-taking and sharp business acumen. He’s focused on growing his company, LVMH, but also investing in new brands to make sure he stays successful in the future. Even though he’s in his 70s, he’s not slowing down. His story shows how someone with a big dream and love for luxury brands can become very successful and wealthy. Arnault will probably keep making big business moves while enjoying his wealth, like buying art and yachts. He’s already known as a luxury leader, but he seems determined to keep doing even better. We’ll have to wait and see what he does next.
