Caught between the need to ensure their supply chain is increasingly environmentally friendly, and the necessity to preserve their know-how, top luxury players are seeking to take greater control over their production process. Some groups have acquired the most specialised manufacturers that produce for them. Other market players are pooling together various SMEs in order to create top-notch manufacturing hubs. LVMH is focusing its attention on a select number of priority suppliers, acquiring stakes in some companies when needed.“In our policy of forging close connections with suppliers, we favour long-term relationships. In some cases, when there are generational change issues, the heirs are no longer keen to pursue the activities of their parents. Alternatively, when there is limite…