In a recent development, Rolex has announced its acquisition of Bucherer, a prominent luxury watch and jewelry retailer. Bucherer, with a history spanning 135 years and headquartered in Switzerland, currently operates a network of over 100 stores worldwide, including 34 establishments under the Tourneau brand in the United States. While specific financial terms of the deal were not disclosed in the Wall Street Journal’s report, it is confirmed that Bucherer will retain its name and continue its independent business operations.
This strategic move by Rolex represents a notable departure from its existing retail model, as the company presently maintains only one brick-and-mortar store in Geneva, Switzerland. According to the WSJ, Rolex has reassured that its existing partnerships with other retailers will remain unchanged despite this acquisition.
In the broader context of the luxury industry, this acquisition follows a recent trend of significant mergers and acquisitions. In August, Tapestry, the parent company of Coach, acquired Capri Holdings, the owner of renowned brands such as Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors, for approximately $8.5 billion. These developments may signal a potential trend towards increased consolidation within the luxury sector, even as the demand for luxury goods experienced a notable 20% growth in 2022, as reported by Bain & Company. This growth trend is expected to continue throughout 2023.