Luxury watch brands in spotlight following moves from LVMH

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Women's Wear Daily – 06/12/2008
By Robert Murphy

PARIS— Is the watch industry entering another consolidation period? After the acquisition in April of fast-growing Hublot by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and PPR's announcement Monday of its strategic alliance with Sowind, the Swiss company that owns Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard, industry observers are wondering which high-end Swiss watch brand could be the next target.

"Very few brands want to sell," said Michel Dyens, who advised LVMH on the acquisition of Hublot. "It's a matter of horizon. But I wouldn't expect any deals in the watch sector very soon."

There are plenty of covetable targets. Independent, family-owned brands like Corum, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet would be jewels to add to any luxury group's crown. [...]

Michel Dyens