Business News: Chanel Takes A 25% Stake In MB&F
MB&F, a fan favorite in the more avant-garde side of independent watchmaking, has just announced a significant partnership with the iconic luxury house Chanel. The French fashion brand has acquired a 25% stake in MB&F, marking a pivotal moment in the independent watchmaker’s history. This partnership ensures that MB&F can continue its creative journey with the stability and resources provided by a like-minded partner.
Maximilian Büsser – who now maintains 60% ownership in MB&F – expressed that this partnership was a natural evolution for MB&F as it approaches its 20th anniversary. Büsser emphasized the importance of securing the brand’s long-term future in a favorable business environment and acknowledged that Chanel’s involvement would allow MB&F to maintain its independence without needing an outright focus on growth.
“It was our responsibility, in today’s very favourable context and with our management team in its prime, to take this major step to ensure our long-term future – a natural evolution for a company celebrating its 20th anniversary next year,” said Maximilian Büsser. “In addition to allowing us to pursue our independent path, free of any pressure on growth, the investment by Chanel will strengthen our operations by providing access when needed to their wider ecosystem and network of specialized suppliers.”
Over the years, Chanel has demonstrated a considerable interest in developing horological alliances. Since launching its watchmaking division in 1987, Chanel has made investments and partnerships with other watchmakers, including Romain Gauthier, F.P. Journe, and Tudor (via Kenissi). This new partnership with MB&F only underlines Chanel’s long-term vision of partnering with other brands, big and small.
This partnership not only positions Chanel as a benefactor (of sorts) of high-end watchmaking but also reinforces its role in the ongoing evolution of the watch industry. As MB&F prepares to celebrate its two-decade milestone, the deal with Chanel marks the beginning of a new generation for Max and his friends.
For more, visit MB&F and Chanel online.
Hodinkee
