LVMH Luxury Ventures Fund, the conglomerate’s investment arm, has taken a minority stake in niche French fragrance brand BDK Parfums, the two companies announced Monday. Exact financial terms were not disclosed.
The deal is the first investment for BDK, which was founded in June 2016. In a statement, brand founder David Benedek said that the investment will allow BDK to further expand into key retail markets internationally. He added that LLV will “support the brand without interfering in its creative strategy or operational development, which remain entirely independent.” Joel Palix, founder of consultancy Palix Unlimited, advised on the transaction.
BDK will be joining luxury brands such as Swedish fashion label Our Legacy, Gabriela Hearst and Paris-based knitwear brand Molli within LLV’s investment portfolio. The fund also invested in fellow beauty brand Officine Universelle Buly 1803 in 2017, before LVMH fully acquired the company in October 2021.
Best known for scents such as Gris Charnel and Rouge Smoking, BDK has collaborated with master French perfumers Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo, Givaudan nose Jordi Fernández, and Paris-based perfumers Alexandra Carlin and Mathilde Bijaoui. Its product offering also spans candles, hair perfumes and laundry care.
The brand will continue to produce its fragrances in France, its largest market.
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