Publications
Publications
- November 2021
- HBS Case Collection
The Wolf in Cashmere: LVMH's Bid to Acquire Tiffany
By: Stuart C. Gilson and Sarah L. Abbott
Abstract
In November 2019, the iconic U.S. jeweler Tiffany agreed to be acquired by the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. The $16.6 billion transaction was scheduled to close in mid-2020. However, in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the luxury goods sector. In September 2020 LVMH announced that it was backing out of the deal. Tiffany filed suit against LVMH. LVMH countersued, arguing that the pandemic triggered a material adverse effect (MAE) clause included in the merger agreement.
Keywords
Mergers ＆ Acquisitions; Luxury Brand; COVID-19 Pandemic; Mergers and Acquisitions; Health Pandemics; Lawsuits and Litigation; Consumer Products Industry; United States; Europe
Citation
Gilson, Stuart C., and Sarah L. Abbott. "The Wolf in Cashmere: LVMH's Bid to Acquire Tiffany." Harvard Business School Case 222-054, November 2021.