France
www.lvmh.com
Sales: $4.2 billion

Key Personnel: Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive officer; and Antonio Belloni, group managing director.

Major Products: Fragrances, cosmetics and skin care sold under brands such as Christian Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy, Kenzo, Acque di Parma, Parfums Loewe, Benefit, Fresh and Makeup For Ever. LVMH also owns Sephora; those sales are recorded its “selective retailing” division.

New Products: Givenchy—Play, Play Intense and Very Irresistible fragrances. Dior—Escale à Portofino Miss Dior Chérie L’Eau, Diorskin Nude. Kenzo—Belle de Jour.

Comments: Perfume and cosmetic units posted organic revenue growth of 8% and 5%, respectively. The French luxury firm said performance was spurred by both innovation and the enrichment of existing lines. All three categories of products—perfume (which accounts for 54% of sales), makeup (28%) and skin care (18%)—enjoyed positive growth. In addition, LVMH officials said the group reaffirmed its leadership position in Europe while brands continued their steady advances in Russia, China and the Middle East, a fact that company officials say confirms there’s room for further growth.

However, luxury marketers, LVMH included, have found the early part of 2009 difficult. In the first quarter, LVMH’s perfume and cosmetics’ revenues slid 8%, which it said was due in part to the difficult comparison with very strong revenue in the year-ago quarter and by retailers decreasing their stock levels. However, the company said demand remained robust in Russia and China, and Benefit and Make Up For Ever confirmed good growth momentum thanks to ongoing international expansion.