Could Rihanna’s groundbreaking beauty empire be heading for a shift in ownership? Reports suggest that luxury conglomerate LVMH is exploring the possibility of selling its stake in Fenty Beauty, a brand co-owned with the superstar singer.
LVMH Considers Fenty Beauty Stake Sale
According to Reuters, LVMH is reportedly conducting a confidential process, involving investment bank Evercore, to gauge interest in its 50% share of Fenty Beauty. While neither Rihanna nor LVMH has officially commented on the potential sale, the news has sent ripples through the beauty and business worlds.
LVMH, the powerhouse behind brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Benefit Cosmetics, partnered with Kendo Brands (an LVMH beauty incubator) to launch Fenty Beauty in 2017. The brand quickly revolutionized the industry with its commitment to inclusivity, particularly its extensive range of foundation shades catering to deeper skin tones. Its signature Pro-Filtr foundation remains a bestseller.
A Successful Venture Facing Potential Change
Fenty Beauty has been a significant success story, with an estimated valuation between $1 and $2 billion and reportedly earning around $450 million in revenue in 2024. This success allowed Rihanna to expand her empire to include Savage X Fenty lingerie and Fenty Haircare. However, LVMH’s potential exit could mark a new chapter for the brand.
This wouldn’t be the first time LVMH has parted ways with a Rihanna-backed venture. Her initial foray into luxury fashion, the Fenty brand, launched under LVMH’s umbrella, unfortunately, ceased operations in 2021. The motivations behind LVMH’s current consideration to sell its Fenty Beauty stake remain undisclosed.
“The makeup line fleshed out the traditional industry. Upon its launch, it marketed itself as a new wave of inclusive beauty, known for its wide shade ranges and pigments that worked especially for deeper skin tones.” — Black Enterprise
The future implications of this potential sale are yet to be seen. Whether LVMH seeks to capitalize on its investment or realign its portfolio, the move could significantly impact Fenty Beauty’s trajectory and its role in the ever-evolving beauty landscape.
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