Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2026-01-20 14:23Core Viewpoint - China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation (China Duty Free) has announced a partnership with LVMH and DFS Group to acquire DFS's travel retail business in Hong Kong and Macau for up to $395 million, enhancing its market presence in the Greater China region [2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - China Duty Free will acquire 100% of DFS Cotai Limitada and all operational assets of DFS stores in Hong Kong and Macau, excluding the City of Dreams store in Macau [3]. - The acquisition includes exclusive rights to a series of brands and intellectual properties under DFS in the Greater China region [2]. - LVMH and Robert Miller will subscribe to new H-shares issued by China Duty Free as part of the transaction, which will be a small portion of the proceeds from the sale [3]. Group 2: Strategic Cooperation - A strategic cooperation memorandum has been signed between China Duty Free and LVMH to establish a partnership in retail sectors aligned with their strategic interests [5]. - This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to deepen cooperation in the Greater China region and achieve mutual benefits [5]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Context - DFS reported a revenue of 2.754 billion yuan and a net profit of 133 million yuan from its Hong Kong and Macau operations in the first three quarters of the 2025 fiscal year [6]. - China Duty Free's revenue for the same period was 39.86 billion yuan, a decline of 7.34% year-on-year, with a net profit of 4.42 billion yuan, down 18.89% [6]. - The luxury goods market is projected to recover, with a forecasted growth of 3% to 5% in 2026, following a slight decline in 2025 [8].