Who Owns Rimowa?
Rimowa is owned by LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate. The German luggage brand was acquired by LVMH in 2016 and operates as a wholly-owned division within the Fashion & Leather Goods segment. LVMH is publicly traded on Euronext Paris.
Parent Company
LVMH
Acquired
2016
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Cologne, Germany
Who Owns Rimowa?
- Parent Company: LVMH
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2016
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: Euronext Paris: MC
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rimowa | LVMH | Wholly owned |
History of Rimowa
- Founded: 1898
- Founders: Richard Morszeck
- Acquired by LVMH: 2016
Rimowa was founded in 1898 by Paul Morszeck in Cologne, Germany, as a manufacturer of leather goods and travel accessories. The company's name is derived from "Ri-Mo-Wa," an abbreviation of "Richard Morszeck Warenzeichen" (Richard Morszeck Trademark), referring to Paul Morszeck's son Richard, who took over the business in the 1930s.
The company's most significant innovation came in 1950, when Richard Morszeck introduced the first aluminum suitcase. The aluminum construction was inspired by the fuselage design of the Junkers F13, one of the first all-metal passenger aircraft, which Morszeck had observed. The aluminum suitcase offered a combination of lightweight construction and exceptional durability that was unprecedented in luggage at the time. The distinctive parallel grooves on the exterior of the aluminum cases, which became Rimowa's most recognizable design element, were added to increase the structural rigidity of the aluminum panels without adding weight.
The grooved aluminum design became Rimowa's signature aesthetic and one of the most recognized luggage designs in the world. The parallel horizontal grooves, which run the full width of the suitcase, give Rimowa cases an immediately distinctive appearance that has remained largely unchanged since their introduction in the 1950s. The design's longevity is a testament to both its functional effectiveness and its aesthetic appeal.
In 1950, a fire destroyed Rimowa's Cologne factory, but Richard Morszeck rebuilt the business and continued to develop the aluminum suitcase line. The rebuilt factory allowed Rimowa to expand production and distribution, and the brand grew steadily through the 1950s and 1960s as international air travel became more accessible to affluent consumers.
The third generation of the Morszeck family, Dieter Morszeck, took over the business in the 1980s and continued to develop the brand. Under Dieter Morszeck's leadership, Rimowa introduced the polycarbonate suitcase in 2000, adding a lighter-weight alternative to the aluminum cases that appealed to travelers who wanted Rimowa's quality and design aesthetic in a more practical format for frequent travel. The polycarbonate cases, sold under the Essential collection name, became the brand's best-selling product line and significantly expanded Rimowa's addressable market.
Dieter Morszeck also pursued a strategy of brand elevation, repositioning Rimowa from a quality luggage brand to a luxury brand with premium pricing and selective distribution. This repositioning, which included opening Rimowa's own retail stores and reducing distribution through department stores and luggage retailers, laid the groundwork for the LVMH acquisition.
LVMH acquired Rimowa in 2017, with Alexandre Arnault, son of LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault, appointed as co-CEO of Rimowa alongside Dieter Morszeck. Alexandre Arnault's appointment signaled LVMH's intention to accelerate Rimowa's transformation into a fully-fledged luxury brand, with investments in retail expansion, marketing, and product development.
Under LVMH ownership, Rimowa has pursued a strategy of brand collaborations with other luxury and streetwear brands, including Supreme, Dior, and Porsche, which have generated significant media coverage and cultural relevance among younger luxury consumers. The brand has also expanded its retail network globally and invested in digital commerce and customer experience.
About LVMH
LVMH operates through five distinct business segments that together create the world's most comprehensive luxury goods portfolio. In the first half of 2025, the company recorded revenue of €39.8 billion with profit from recurring operations of €9 billion, demonstrating solid performance despite challenging global economic and geopolitical conditions. LVMH employs approximately 186,000 people globally and maintains a portfolio of over 75 prestigious luxury brands serving affluent consumers worldwide.
Fashion & Leather Goods represents LVMH's largest business segment, generating €19.1 billion in H1 2025 revenue. This segment includes iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, Celine, Givenchy, and Loewe. Despite a 7% decline in organic revenue, the segment maintained very high operating margins, reflecting the enduring strength and pricing power of LVMH's core fashion and leather goods brands. Louis Vuitton continued to demonstrate powerful creativity through continuously reinvented iconic products and unique customer experiences, including "The Louis," a museum-like space in Shanghai designed as a cruise ship that epitomizes the brand's innovative spirit.
Wines & Spirits generated €2.6 billion in H1 2025 revenue, experiencing an 8% decline in organic growth. This segment includes prestigious champagne and spirits brands such as Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, and Hennessy. The segment faced ongoing weak demand for cognac, though champagne showed improvement in trends during the second quarter of 2025. Despite revenue pressure, the wines and spirits brands maintained their premium positioning and continued to invest in product innovation and heritage preservation.
Perfumes & Cosmetics achieved €4.1 billion in H1 2025 revenue, remaining stable on an organic basis. This segment demonstrated remarkable innovation and ongoing selective retail approaches, with successful launches including La Beauté Louis Vuitton, a new creative universe led by Dame Pat McGrath. The cosmetics and perfumes segment benefited from strong brand recognition and continued investment in product development, sustainability initiatives, and digital marketing capabilities.
Watches & Jewelry recorded €5.1 billion in H1 2025 revenue, remaining stable organically. This segment includes prestigious brands such as Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot, and Zenith. The segment benefited from the success of iconic lines and Tiffany & Co.'s renovated stores, which enhanced customer experience and brand presentation. The watches and jewelry brands maintained their focus on craftsmanship excellence, heritage preservation, and innovation in design and technology.
Selective Retailing generated €8.6 billion in H1 2025 revenue, achieving 2% organic growth. This segment includes Sephora, DFS (duty-free retail), and Le Bon Marché department store. Sephora continued to achieve growth in both revenue and profit, demonstrating strong performance in the competitive beauty retail market. The selective retailing segment benefited from improved local customer demand and effective digital transformation initiatives.
LVMH's corporate structure emphasizes brand-level management maintaining independent identities while benefiting from group resources and expertise. Each brand operates with significant autonomy, preserving its unique heritage and creative direction while accessing LVMH's shared resources in manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and technology. This structure enables brands to maintain authenticity and craftsmanship excellence while leveraging group-level scale and efficiency.
The company invests significantly in brand positioning, digital channels, and customer experience enhancement across all segments. LVMH has embraced digital transformation while maintaining the exclusivity and personal service that define luxury retail. The company's e-commerce platforms, digital marketing initiatives, and customer relationship management systems complement physical retail experiences and enhance brand engagement.
LVMH's supply chain emphasizes craftsmanship quality and heritage production supporting luxury positioning. The company maintains significant manufacturing facilities in France and Italy, preserving traditional artisanal skills and production techniques while investing in modern technology and sustainability practices. This commitment to quality and authenticity underpins LVMH's brand equity and customer trust.
Financial highlights from H1 2025 demonstrate LVMH's resilience and strategic discipline. The company achieved an operating margin of 22.6% and generated operating free cash flow of €4 billion, representing a 29% increase compared to the previous year. Net financial debt decreased by 16% to €10.2 billion, reflecting strong cash generation and prudent financial management.
- Founded: 1987
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: Euronext Paris: MC
Where Is Rimowa Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
- Manufacturing / Operations: Germany, France
Brands Owned by LVMH
- Acqua di Parma - Italian luxury fragrance brand known for sophisticated scents and Italian elegan...
- Benefit Cosmetics - American beauty brand known for playful makeup products and eyebrow expertise, o...
- Berluti - Italian luxury menswear and footwear brand renowned for exquisite craftsmanship,...
- Bulgari - Italian luxury jewelry and watch brand renowned for bold designs and precious ge...
- Celine - French luxury fashion house specializing in leather goods, ready-to-wear, and ac...
- Château d'Yquem - French wine estate renowned for exceptional Sauternes and sweet wines, owned by ...
- Chaumet - French luxury jewelry brand renowned for tiaras and romantic pieces with imperia...
- Dior - French luxury fashion house founded in 1946 by Christian Dior, owned by LVMH and...
- Dom Pérignon - Prestigious French champagne brand known for vintage cuvées and exceptional qual...
- Fendi - Italian luxury fashion house known for leather goods, haute couture, and innovat...
- Fenty Beauty - Modern luxury beauty brand by Rihanna known for inclusive makeup and innovative ...
- Fred - French luxury jewelry brand known for contemporary elegance and classic savoir-f...
- Givenchy - French luxury fashion house known for haute couture, ready-to-wear, and beauty p...
- Guerlain - French luxury perfume and cosmetics brand renowned for iconic fragrances since 1...
- Hennessy - French cognac brand renowned for exceptional quality and global prestige, owned ...
- Hublot - Swiss luxury watch brand known for innovative designs and bold aesthetics, owned...
- Kenzo - Japanese-French luxury fashion house known for bold colors and innovative design...
- Krug - French champagne house known for complex, vintage-free cuvées and connoisseur ap...
- Le Bon Marché - French luxury department store known for Parisian elegance and curated retail ex...
- Loewe - Spanish luxury fashion house renowned for artisanal leatherwork and avant-garde ...
- Louis Vuitton - French luxury fashion house and brand, part of the LVMH group....
- Moët & Chandon - French champagne house renowned for prestigious cuvées and global recognition, o...
- Sephora - Prestige beauty retailer and cosmetics brand owned by LVMH....
- Zenith - Swiss luxury watch manufacturer renowned for the legendary El Primero movement, ...
Rimowa Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Over 125 years of German engineering heritage and the grooved aluminum design provide brand equity that competitors cannot replicate
- +LVMH's global retail infrastructure and financial resources support Rimowa's expansion into new markets and investment in flagship store openings
- +Brand collaborations with Supreme, Dior, Porsche, and other brands have generated significant cultural relevance among younger luxury consumers
- +The tiered product range, from the polycarbonate Essential collection to the aluminum Original and Classic collections, allows Rimowa to serve multiple price points within the luxury luggage market
- +LVMH's experience managing luxury brand repositioning supports Rimowa's ongoing transformation from a premium luggage brand to a fully-fledged luxury brand
Considerations
- -Premium pricing, particularly for the aluminum collection, limits the addressable consumer base and creates vulnerability to economic downturns that affect luxury spending
- -Competition from Tumi (Samsonite) and Away in the premium luggage segment from brands with comparable quality and growing brand recognition
- -The brand's German identity within LVMH's predominantly French luxury portfolio creates some tension in brand positioning and marketing
- -Dependence on LVMH's strategic priorities means Rimowa's investment levels are determined at the group level, competing with Louis Vuitton, Dior, and other major brands for resources
- -The polycarbonate Essential collection's lower price point risks diluting the brand's luxury positioning if not managed carefully
Frequently Asked Questions About Rimowa
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to Rimowa
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkshire Hathaway | USA | 1870 | Luxury | North America | All Genders | |
| Kering | Italy | 1966 | Mass Market | Europe | All Genders | |
| Tapestry Inc | USA | 1941 | Luxury | North America | All Genders | |
| Hyundai Motor Group | South Korea | 2015 | Luxury | Asia Pacific | All Genders | |
| Kering | Italy | 1921 | Mass Market | Europe | All Genders | |
| Tapestry Inc | USA | 1986 | Luxury | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Borsheims Fine Jewelry
Owned by Berkshire Hathaway
American luxury jewelry retailer specializing in fine jewelry and watches, owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

Bottega Veneta
Owned by Kering
Italian luxury fashion house known for leather goods, ready-to-wear, and accessories, recognized for its understated elegance and exceptional craftsmanship.

Coach
Owned by Tapestry, Inc.
American luxury handbag and accessories brand known for accessible luxury, quality craftsmanship, and iconic designs, owned by Tapestry, Inc.

Genesis
Owned by Hyundai Motor Group
South Korean luxury vehicle brand specializing in premium automobiles, owned by Hyundai Motor Group.

Gucci
Owned by Kering
Italian luxury fashion house known for high-end clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories, recognized for its iconic GG monogram and distinctive design aesthetic.

Stuart Weitzman
Owned by Tapestry, Inc.
Luxury footwear and accessories brand known for innovative shoe design, premium materials, and sophisticated style, owned by Tapestry, Inc.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Rimowa competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
LVMH Stock Information
Jobs at LVMH
Latest News About Rimowa
Related Articles About Rimowa
View more articles50 Brands You Didn't Know Were Owned by the Same Company
From Dove soap and Hellmann's mayo to PlayStation and Columbia Pictures, these 50 brand pairs share a corporate parent that might surprise you.
Beauty Brand Acquisitions: What Changed After the Sale?
When big companies buy indie beauty brands, what actually changes? We examine real cases from CeraVe to Drunk Elephant to find out what happens next.
Alcohol Brands: The Big 3 Companies Behind Most Drinks
Three corporations control most of the world's alcoholic beverages. Discover who owns your favorite beer, wine, and spirits brands in this 2026 guide.
People Also Searched
Discover popular brands and companies in the Fashion & Apparel category and related searches from other users.

Adidas
German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures sports shoes, clothing, and accessories, known for its three-stripe logo.

Alexander McQueen
British luxury fashion house known for haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories, recognized for dramatic design, craftsmanship, and theatrical presentations.

American Apparel
Los Angeles-based clothing retailer known for vertically integrated manufacturing and ethically made basics.





