Chanel has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Swiss independent watchmaker MB&F, Thursday news unveiled. Chanel watches are pictured here from a Baselworld collection. Under the deal, MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser retains the majority share at 60 percent, while head of R&D & Production Serge Kriknoff holds 15 percent. Büsser, Kriknoff, and heads of Marketing Communications Charris Yadigaroglou and Sales Thibault Verdonckt will continue to lead MB&F. The company said Chanel's investment would bring "stability and resilience," fully in line with MB&F's long-term strategy and shared values.
Büsser said the partnership marks an important milestone for the company, approaching its 20th anniversary. He pointed out that Chanel's investment allows MB&F to continue on its own path, independent, but backed by Chanel's extensive network and resources.
In 2023, revenues for MB&F stood at CHF 45.4 million ($53.2 million), with 419 wristwatches produced. Meanwhile, in 2021, the launch of M.A.D.Editions increased production to about 3,500 watches annually.
Chanel said that investment fits within its plans to transform and accompany the timepiece segment in years to come. The French luxury brand addressed its continued belief in the need of collaborating with specialists in service of preservation and development of the competencies. Chanel-founded its own watchmaking operation in 1987, and then bought G&F Châtelain Manufacture in 1993-sees this latest investment in MB&F as a continuation of its strategy, following on from the investments in Romain Gauthier in 2011 and F.P. Journe in 2018.
Frédéric Grangié, president of Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery, was pleased with the partnership, saying that the deal symbolized their common values over independence, creation, and excellence. He added that this investment also reinforces Chanel's position within high-range watchmaking.
Founded by Büsser in the year 2005, MB&F introduces a range of "Horological Machines" that fuse the aspects of art and micro-engineering. At the core lies Maximilian Büsser & Friends, which collaborates with a team of some highly talented individuals who have big ambitions and strive to introduce radical concept timepieces. The road to glory has been reflected for MB&F since it received a total of nine awards from the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, including the "Aiguille d'Or," which assured its place of pride and its influence within the industry of watchmaking.
