- Business
- Lagardère S.A. operates as a multinational media and retail group primarily engaged in publishing, content production, and travel retail services. The company manufactures and distributes books, magazines, and digital content through its Lagardère Publishing division; offers brand and product distribution in travel retail via Lagardère Travel Retail; and develops media and entertainment content including broadcasting and production activities. The publishing segment includes a broad portfolio of titles and imprints, while the travel retail business operates more than 5,000 points of sale globally in airports, railway stations, and other travel-related locations, covering product categories such as travel essentials, duty free and fashion items, and dining services. Lagardère also distributes perfumes and beauty products through its wholesaler operations. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Paris, France, the group has a presence in over 45 countries and employs more than 33,000 people.
Recent major changes include the acquisition of several strategic companies to expand its travel retail footprint, notably the full acquisition of Sterling Publishing and acquisitions in foodservice such as Tastes on the Fly and Marché International AG, reinforcing its multi-brand catering and airline retail services. In 2023, Vivendi completed the purchase of a majority stake in Lagardère, followed by a share transfer to the Louis Hachette Group. The company has struck major tender wins at high-profile airports including Amsterdam-Schiphol, Düsseldorf, Atlanta, and Nice, bolstering its travel retail leadership. In 2024, Lagardère Travel Retail reported robust like-for-like growth of 12.5% supported by air traffic growth and operational excellence and achieved record recurring EBIT reflecting profitability improvements. It also underwent regional leadership reorganizations in Africa to optimize growth strategies. Additionally, business realignments included the sale of the Paris Match media brand in late 2024. The group maintains strong financial performance with revenue approaching €9 billion in 2024 and continues investing in digital and logistics upgrades planned through 2025.
Lagardère operates mainly through two divisions: Lagardère Publishing, focusing on book and digital content publishing across global markets, and Lagardère Travel Retail, specializing in travel-related product distribution and catering served to international travelers. The group targets a wide customer base including consumers in retail travel channels and readers of diverse media formats worldwide. Its strategic expansions and investments underscore its objective to sustain growth, enhance profitability, and reinforce its market-leading positions across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
Overall, Lagardère S.A. is a Paris-headquartered media and retail multinational established in 1992, active in publishing, content distribution, and travel retail with recent strategic acquisitions and partnerships strengthening its global position and financial performance. The group remains focused on continuous expansion, enhancing shareholder value, and operational excellence in its diversified business segments.