HERMES
Described by an M&A expert as a "fortress," this family-controlled company is often rumored to be for sale, but most experts believe it won't go on the block for another 5 to 10 years. Plus, new French laws can protect family members from hostile-takeover bids.

GIORGIO ARMANI
L'Oreal, which owns Armani's fragrance and cosmetics license, may have the right of first refusal, but most analysts predict Armani will organize a foundation via a consortium of Italian banks.

PATEK PHILIPPE
Fellow watchmaking CEOs drool at the prospect of buying the family-owned and -run Swiss watchmaker. But those in the know say the Stern family will never sell.

BULGARI
Despite denials, rumors continue that this Italian jewel is for sale and that PPR is circling. The controlling family, is said to have valued the company as high as $5.1 billion.

DAVID YURMAN
Several luxury honchos mentio this $600 million business as one with amazing growth potential, especially in Europe and emerging markets like China.

GRAFF
Private high-margin, fine-jewelry companies like diamond specialist Graff are hot targets. Smaller brands like Gerrard and Verdura are also frequently mentioned.

LORO PIANA
The family-owned brand is desirable for its retail and wholesale businesses. It also produces high-end cashmere for many other brands around the world.

BRIONI
Some analysts believe that the company's recent attempts at diversification, namely a higher-profile women's ready-to-wear line, might signal a desire to sell.

SCHIAPARELLI
For those shopping for what investors call a sleeping beauty (think Rochas or Balenciaga), this name could be a great fixer-upper.

LEONARD
Few EUROPEAN ready-to-wear companies possess the signature jet-set vocabulary and growth potential of this unsung brand. The bright silk prints alone are reason to buy.


Well, had i been blessed with billions.. i'll just build my own brand! Why buy other "sinking" or already a "sunken" brand, if i can have my own name on it? Good thing, God didn't allow me to have such enormous amount of money.. cause it'll mean ENORMOUS RESPONSIBILITY as well.. gees! I've got so many "important" things to do, rather than getting loads of wrinkles for running an empire of whatever.

It's great to be simple.. as long as you're living your life to the fullest. Do i make sense?