What slowdown? LVMH luxuriates in sales boom

Bernard Arnault's luxury goods empire has yet again revealed strong growth across the Louis Vuitton to Christian Dior group, despite a slowdown in the sector.

LVMH recorded a 15 per cent rise in sales for the third quarter, with organic sales growth at 6 per cent. LVMH said: "Despite the background of an economic slowdown in Europe, LVMH remains confident in its outlook for 2012."

The group, which owns clothing, accessories, watch, champagne and spirit brands, reported revenues of €19.9bn (£16bn) for the first nine months of the year, up 22 per cent, compared to 15 per cent growth for the same period last year.