The French billionaire businessman Bernard Arnault will donate 200 million euros (£172.2 million) to help reconstruct Notre Dame after a devastating fire.
On Tuesday luxury goods company LVMH, of which Arnault is CEO, issued a statement reading: “The Arnault family and the LVMH group would like to show their solidarity at this time of national tragedy, and are joining up to help rebuild this extraordinary cathedral, which is a symbol of France, of its heritage and of French unity.”
The fire broke out at around 6:30pm on Monday evening, causing the cathedral’s spire and roof to collapse. Firefighting efforts meant that the main structure, including the two bell towers, were saved.
It’s not yet clear what caused the fire, although authorities suspect it could be linked to renovation work that began after cracks appeared in the stone.
Mr Arnault’s contribution follows a donation of 100 million euros (£86 million) from François-Henri Pinault, who is CEO of luxury goods company Kering.
Who is LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault?
Described by Forbes as “one of the world’s ultimate taste-makers,” Bernard Arnault is the CEO and chairman of luxury goods company LVMH, which oversees a number of iconic brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Dom Perignon Champagne and Sephora.
Mr Arnault’s daughter Delphine is executive vice president of Louis Vuitton and a member of LVMH’s executive committee.
What is Bernard Arnault's net worth?
In March, Mr Arnault overtook Warren Buffett to become the third-richest person in the world.
According to Forbes, Mr Arnault has an estimated net worth of $91 billion.
