Majors

Tiffany, LVMH Trial Set for January

MajorsSep 23, 2020

Tiffany, LVMH Trial Set for January

A judge granted Tiffany’s request to expedite legal proceedings after LVMH announced it wanted to back out of its pending acquisition of the jeweler.

20200923_Tiffany_Box.jpg
A Tiffany & Co. “Soleste” round engagement ring in platinum with diamonds. Tiffany and LVMH will head to court in January after LVMH announced its intention to back out of the companies’ $16.2 billion acquisition deal.

New York—Tiffany & Co. and LVMH will head to court in January after a judge approved the jeweler’s request to expedite the legal proceedings surrounding a potential acquisition.

LVMH announced its intentions to back out of the $16.2 billion deal earlier this month, citing closing date issues and a request from the French government.

In response, Tiffany & Co. filed a lawsuit in Delaware to force the French luxury giant to move forward with the deal, claiming it had breached the merger agreement by dragging its feet on obtaining regulatory clearances and was just looking for excuses to get out of the deal.

Tiffany asked the Court of Chancery in Delaware to fast-track the proceedings because it wanted a ruling before the Nov. 24 deadline for closing the acquisition.

RELATED CONTENT: Tiffany-LVMH Deal May Be Saved, Say Analysts


The Jan. 5, 2021 court date is after the “drop-dead” date for the merger, but would be before antitrust approvals start to expire.

LVMH had asked for the trial to start in March or April of next year.

It argued there was no reason to speed up the case and that the company would need six to seven months’ time to properly prepare.

In a court filing, LVMH said: “Tiffany offers no reason why this court should move mountains and conduct a full-blown trial involving complex facts and international discovery in less than two months amidst a global pandemic.”

LVMH accused Tiffany of trying to fast-track the proceedings to avoid a deeper look into its management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The luxury conglomerate said in a previous statement announcing its plans to file a lawsuit that it would be challenging the way Tiffany’s management handled the COVID-19 crisis, noting that the company distributed “substantial dividends” when it was losing money and that its operation and organization are not “substantially intact.”

In response to claims of mismanagement, Tiffany CEO Alessandro Bogliolo said: “We have already returned to profitability and expect to remain profitable for the balance of the year, with fourth-quarter profits actually exceeding those of the fourth quarter of 2019.”

Tiffany said LVMH was trying to run out the clock and prevent the acquisition from going through.

Reports that the deal was on the rocks first arose in June, as civil unrest in the United States and the COVID-19 pandemic were troubling LVMH’s board.

Tiffany Chairman Roger Farah said, “We will demonstrate to the court that LVMH is in clear

breach of its obligations under a valid and binding agreement and that their claim of a material adverse effect is completely baseless. Tiffany has acted in good faith in full compliance with the merger agreement and will continue to do so.”

LVMH said it is “fully confident that it will be able to defeat Tiffany's accusations and convince the court that the conditions necessary for the acquisition of Tiffany are no longer met.”
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.
tags:

The Latest

Watches on a table next to a coffee cup
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

Ophelia Eve Scroll Toggle Pendant
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your Secrets

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Jacob & Co. The Godfather II Musical Watch
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

Alan Hodgkinson
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New Award

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Oris CEO Rolf Studer and Oris CFO Claudine Gertiser
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFO

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

Hearts On Fire What’s Your Signature Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a Question

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

41.82-carat Type IIb blue diamond recovered from Cullinan in January 2026
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

American Gem Society Confluence Logo
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability Sessions

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

Dennis Buzz Busby and Randy Welch
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller Employees

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

Isabel Delgado A necklace
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace Culture

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

Retiring GIA CFO David Tearle and new GIA CFO John Cowley
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Gemology Geek Ignite collection tourmaline ring
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry Collection

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

Fope Golden Now Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Former Signet executive Kecia Caffie
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet Jewelers

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

Author Tanzy Ward and her book Precious Black Jewels The Bijou Material Culture of Black Victorians & Edwardians
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ Jewelry

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Screenshot of Taylor Swift's "Elizabeth Taylor" music video
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and Center

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

Neiman Marcus store in Fort Worth, Texas
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This Summer

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

NouvelleBox logo
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer Ballroom

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

Buddha Mama Moon Locket
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To Dallas

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

Pandora distribution facility Canada
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff Concerns

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

×

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