Re: [Leica] Hermes & Leica

[David Binder <dbinder@sympatico.ca>]

And a few years ago (1991 or 1992) Chanel took over the venerable
Chateau Rausan Segla. I don't believe they've produced an outstanding
bordeaux since. But they did change the spelling of the chateau name to
'Rauzan Segla'. 

- -David Binder


> Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2000 19:02:22 -0500
> From: "Emanuel Lowi" <mano@proxyma.net>
> Subject: [Leica] Hermes & Leica
> Message-ID: <200011210009.TAA24702@poseidon.proxyma.net>
> References:
> 
> I am not worried...yet.
> In a previous life I was a professional wine taster (a dirty job but somebody's gotta
> do it) and I still follow the industry. In the past few years a few huge companies
> have bought up small, top-notch wine making properties. While these acquisitions at
> first deeply offended the sensibilities of the traditionalist camp, the results from
> a quality perspective AND from a marketing perspective have been laudable.
> I'm thinking about the purchase of Weingut Robert Weil  in Kiedrich (since the 1700s)
> by Japanese distillery giant Suntory. Weil's wines have si nce gone on to become the
> best in Germany. I feel lucky when I get the chance to taste them.
> The takeover last year of Chateau d'Yquem by the Louis Vuitton/Moet Hennesy group was
> contested by one branch of the Lur Saluces family, while the rest sold to the
> handbag/cognac/champagne conglomerate. The new owners haven't changed a thing at the
> property, even keeping the objecting shareholders on staff.
> While the analogies are not perfect, I don't think Hermes (or anyone else) would buy
> into Leica in order to destroy it by devaluing what it produces. They're looking for
> a way to broaden their own image by associating themselves with a top-quality leader
> in an industry they haven't got a connection with, yes, but they probably see an
> opportunity to cross-market some products.
> Given that Solms and Wetzlar have a history of producing a periodic stream of bijoux
> products (going back to the Luxus of 1929) this isn't as outrageous as some are
> suggesting.  I suspect Leica will benefit from the association as much as Hermes, and
> if this gets them money to do some innovative R&D, I'd say - "Lafayette, we are
> here!"
> 
> Emanuel Lowi
> Montreal