LVMH invests in Accor’s Orient Express brand

PARIS - Accor and LVMH have entered into a strategic partnership to invest in and accelerate the development of the luxury Orient Express brand. Financial terms — including the size of LVMH’s stake — were not disclosed.

LVMH, which has discussed but not committed to developing its own Louis Vuitton hotel in Paris, will invest in the company that will operate the future hotels and trains, and in the entity that will own the two sailing ships. The first ship is currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, and the two groups will continue to search together for a third partner for this new venture.

Following its acquisition by Accor in 2022, Orient Express is developing new ventures for trains, hotels and sailing ships. The launch of the first Orient Express sailing ship is scheduled for 2026 and Orient Express will open its first hotels in Rome and Venice “while continuing the selective development of its global destinations.”

LVMH will add its expertise in high-quality products and services, already illustrated by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and the five other trains operated by its subsidiary hotel operator Belmond.

“Orient Express has embodied adventure and elegance since its origins. Its name has become part of our cultural heritage and remains a source of inspiration for the greatest artists,” said Bernard Arnault, LVMH group chairman and CEO. “Orient Express epitomizes the art of refined living and the audacity that drives each of our Houses. We are delighted to be partnering with Accor to accelerate the renewal of this travel icon. Each of our groups will bring the best of its expertise to take Orient Express to the pinnacle of the art of hospitality.”

Sébastien Bazin, Accor group chairman and CEO, added, “Orient Express is a legend ever since its creation 140 years ago, drawing on its roots and its oneiric universe while remaining at all times firmly focused on the future. With Orient Express, Accor is reinventing the art of travel, discovery and great odysseys. With LVMH today, we are opening a new chapter in this exciting journey, with the ambition of exploring new horizons and embodying the audacity and creative passion that drive our groups. We’re delighted to enlist LVMH’s rare expertise to continue pushing further the frontiers of this legend and bringing its embodiment to life in an ever more singular way.”