Bernard Arnault and household, majority shareholders of luxurious items group Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), have misplaced the highest spot within the 2025 French wealthy listing by Challenges journal.
It estimated the household’s skilled fortune had dropped by €73.6bn, or nearly 39%, since its 2024 version.
Arnault and household nonetheless got here second, with an estimated value of €116.7bn (£101.3bn), however it’s the primary time they haven’t headed the rating since 2016, stated Challenges.
It famous a troublesome 12 months for France’s luxurious homes, though the Hermès household claimed prime spot and noticed its estimated fortune rise 5%, to €163.4bn.
Fortunes fluctuate and estimates fluctuate; Bloomberg’s billionaires index stated Arnault’s web value was US$159bn (£117.4bn) as of 24 July.
But, customers have cooled their curiosity in luxurious over the previous couple of years following a increase interval for the sector.
LVMH’s share value on the Euronext Paris inventory alternate was down round 28% in 12 months, though it remained up round 18% on a five-year foundation.
The group, which incorporates main wines and spirits from Krug and Dom Pérignon Champagne to Hennessy Cognac, has highlighted the relative resilience of its enterprise in a troublesome market.
LVMH stated on 24 July that complete income fell 4% for the primary half of 2025, to €39.8bn. Its wine and spirits gross sales dropped 8% on a reported foundation, hitting €2.59bn, regardless of enhancements in Champagne demand within the second quarter.
Arnault acknowledged present market uncertainty, however stated the group has demonstrated ‘solidity’ because of the ability of its manufacturers. He added, ‘I’m assured in LVMH’s great long-term potential.’
Different members of France’s rich elite with hyperlinks to wine additionally noticed a downturn of their estimated skilled fortunes in Challenges journal’s rating.
Alain and Gérard Wertheimer and household, of Chanel fame and homeowners of a number of wine estates, together with Châteaux Canon and Rauzan-Ségla in Bordeaux, got here third with an estimated fortune of €95bn – down €20bn on final 12 months.
François Pinault and household, of luxurious group Kering, management the Artemis Domaines wine empire that features Bordeaux first progress Château Latour and Burgundy’s Clos de Tart, amongst different prime names.
They got here ninth on the listing, with an estimated skilled fortune of €15bn, down 36% versus the 2024 version of the rating.
In the meantime, the Dassault household, largely identified for its aviation business enterprise but in addition with vital wine holdings in Bordeaux, got here fifth on the 2025 French wealthy listing with an estimated fortune of €35.6bn, up 24%.
