Arnaud Lagardère Net Worth
Arnaud Lagardère, a well-known French businessman, has an estimated net worth of $200 million. Once ranked among Europe’s wealthiest, Lagardère’s fortune has faced major challenges in recent years—falling from a high of over $2.5 billion due to mounting debts and a drop in company shares.
| Arnaud Lagardère Net Worth | $.5 Million |
| Date of Birth | Mar 18, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Boulogne-Billancourt |
| Nationality | French |
| Profession | Businessman |
Early Life
Arnaud Lagardère was born in March 1961 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. He is the son of Jean-Luc Lagardère, a key figure in French media and publishing. Arnaud studied economics and earned a master’s equivalent from Paris Dauphine University.
The Rise and Fall of a Fortune
Arnaud’s wealth is largely tied to Lagardère Group, a French media and publishing empire originally built by his father, Jean-Luc Lagardère. Arnaud joined the company in 1986 and rose through the ranks to become CEO in 1989. For years, he enjoyed the benefits of a powerful position, high dividend payouts, and global business connections.
However, by 2017, reports indicated that his personal debts exceeded the value of his shareholding in the company. Despite this, Lagardère maintained his lavish lifestyle—thanks in part to generous dividend payouts from the company. A 2019 Financial Times report revealed that between 2009 and 2018, he received more than $400 million in dividends, even though the company’s overall financial performance during that time was weak.
According to the company’s 2018 annual report, 99% of Arnaud’s personal shares in Lagardère were pledged as collateral to secure his debts.
Leadership at Lagardère Group
Arnaud took full control of the Lagardère empire in 2003, becoming the General and Managing Partner. Under his leadership, the group shifted focus heavily toward media and publishing. He oversaw the acquisition of major assets such as Houghton Mifflin, Warner Books, and Vivendi Universal Publishing.
His sports division, Lagardère Unlimited, acquired companies like Sportfive, IEC in Sports, and World Sport Group, expanding the company’s footprint into sports marketing.
Arnaud also held board positions at France Telecom, LVMH, and FIMALAC, further strengthening his presence in European business circles.
Personal Life
In 2013, Arnaud married Belgian model Jade Foret. The couple has a daughter named Liva, and they have often made headlines in French and Belgian media for their glamorous lifestyle.
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. satrendmagazine@gmail.com
