When car enthusiasts talk about their wheels - Porsche, Mercedes, Fiat or Ferrari -, they presume their model rolls off the production line of that particular brand. Not for a second, though, do I imagine they believe every single part was made in that same factory. I think the driver of a Rolls – oh happy man! – knows that the prestigious British marque counts on exclusive, top-notch suppliers for its components and accessories. The artists at Rolls-Royce then assemble them into a result that is necessarily greater than the sum of its parts.

Year after year, LVMH has patiently acquired shares and derivatives in Hermès and now holds 17% of its capital and 10% of voting rights. While the luxury giant denies any takeover plans, it is now Hermès' biggest single shareholder.