In the world of luxury brands, Hermès International has cultivated an image of purity by remaining true to its roots, shunning the mass production and outsourcing that many rivals have employed to improve profitability.
Lately, however, it has been attracting attention less for its expensive silk scarves and artisan-crafted handbags and more for the unwelcome approach of Bernard Arnault, the head of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the luxury goods giant.
As he has often done, Mr. Arnault, one of the world’s wealthiest men, came in quietly, surprising the family-controlled Hermès last month with the news that he had acquired a 17.1 percent stake.
LVMH said its objective was “to be a long-term shareholder of Hermès and to contribute to the preservation of the family and French attributes which are at the heart of the global success of this iconic brand.”
Nevertheless, many analysts, having watched Mr. Arnault assemble his empire, say they believe he would like nothing more than to have Hermès as another trophy.
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