LVMH records strong 2005

Luxury goods giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton has recorded a rise in revenues in 2005 of 11 percent, thanks to increased sales in all geographic regions and accelerated growth in the US, Europe and Asia.

The group saw revenue rise to €13.90 billion (£9.57 billion), compared with €12.48 billion the year before. Same store sales rose 11 percent, while fourth quarter sales increased 13 percent to €4.31 billion.

The company's fashion and leather goods unit recorded growth for the year of 17 percent. Same-store growth for the unit rose 11 percent to €4.8 billion. The Louis Vuitton brand was the main contributor, accounting for two-thirds of the group's operating profit.

LVMH said that the new Marc Jacobs brand's leather goods range was generating such interest that it was having difficulty satisfying demand. The group also said that the Pucci and Fendi brands did particularly well in 2005.