Majors

Report: Tiffany-LVMH Deal on the Rocks

MajorsJun 04, 2020

Report: Tiffany-LVMH Deal on the Rocks

The deteriorating situation in the United States is troubling members of LVMH’s board, according to news reports.

2020_Tiffany_Blue_Boxes.jpg
A grouping of Tiffany & Co.’s iconic blue boxes with personalized embossing and a Tiffany Setting in platinum. The retailer’s acquisition is uncertain due to fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and the civil unrest in the U.S., WWD reported this week. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)

Paris—LVMH’s $16 billion acquisition of Tiffany & Co. could be in danger due to the deteriorating situation in the U.S. market, according to a report published Tuesday by WWD.

Citing sources, the fashion trade publication reported members of the board of LVMH Moёt Hennessy Louis Vuitton met in Paris this week specifically to discuss the deal.

They’re concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the retailer, as well as the ongoing civil unrest in the U.S. following the murder of George Floyd on May 25.

Board members also voiced concerns about the retailer’s ability to cover all its debt covenants, WWD reported.

The Americas remains Tiffany’s largest market, both in terms of sales ($1.92 billion in FY 2019, 43 percent of worldwide net sales) and number of stores (124, including 94 in the United States, as of Jan. 31). Sales in the U.S. market account for 86 percent of sales in the Americas.

The Asia-Pacific region is a close second, with $1.26 billion in sales last fiscal year (28 percent of the global total) and 91 stores.

Tiffany did not respond to request for comment on the report.

In a statement issued Thursday, LVMH confirmed the board of directors meeting took place and that the board “notably focused its attention on the development of the pandemic and its potential impact on the results and perspectives of Tiffany & Co. with respect to the agreement that links the two groups.”

But the Paris-based luxury titan denied rumors it is trying to buy now-cheaper Tiffany shares on the market.

LVMH, which already owns Bulgari, TAG Heuer and Hublot, announced its intentions to buy Tiffany for $135 per share, or $16.2 billion, in November. LVMH said the acquisition would strengthen its position in the jewelry market and bolster its presence in the U.S.

At the time it was announced, the deal, the largest ever in the luxury sector, was expected to close in mid-2020.

Tiffany’s shareholders approved the deal in early February.

Tiffany is the No. 3 seller of fine jewelry and watches in North America, topped only by Signet Jewelers Ltd. and Walmart Inc., and is the ninth largest by store count, according to National Jeweler’s 2019 State of the Majors report.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

D. Geller & Son store mural
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store Mural

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Hand taking jewelry out of jewelry box
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying Events

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in June

Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Rio Grande Millgrain Wedding band and Round Diamond Engagement Ring
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal Collection

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rockefeller Center Rink Rolex Clock
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller Center

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

Kristen Cannon
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

G Shock Pokemon watch in Pokeball
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock Watch

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

Jade Ruzzo Lady Collection Compact Mirror Necklace
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a Lady

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

Blue Nile Montana sapphire jewelry
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire Collection

The new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

American Gem Society
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification Exam

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

Briony Raymond Carousel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard Stones

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Ridgeland Mississippi exterior
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi Flagship

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology Manager

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

GIA London Canary Wharf campus
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London Campus

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.

Hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home

A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.

Kris Averi Rainbow Prism Thorn Ring
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ Ring

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

Bernard James Knickerbockers Special Edition Aura Band
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with Ring

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.

Brandee Dallow
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEO

Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

SCAD Jewelers Mutual Studio exterior
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler Shortage

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

Mejuri Steel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With Steel

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

Watches and Wonders 2027
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 Dates

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

New Gem Legacy board members Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy Board

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Smart Age CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online Cart

Jewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Hyacinth Charm on Hackmanite Bead Strand, Peach Opal Bead Strand, Hydrangea Charm on Aquamarine Bead Strand
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-Trend

The fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.

“Elements” bracelet best of show AGTA Spectrum 2025
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026

This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy