Bertrand Puech

Execs at Hermes told French newspaper Le Figaro that they aren't happy about LVMH's sudden interest in the luxury group. "The family has clearly and unanimously said: If you want to be friendly, Mister Arnault, you need to withdraw," said Bertrand Puech, a fifth-generation descendant of founder Thierry Hermes. LVMH denies that they'd like to acquire the company, of which they bought over $2 billion in shares last month. But it's obvious that a hostile takeover isn't completely out of the question.