French billionaires, companies raise $450 million to rebuild Notre Dame

Notre Dame

French billionaires and companies have pledged over $450 million to help rebuild the Cathedral of Notre Dame after the fire incident on Monday evening.

LVMH Group, which owns Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Givenchy, and the family of CEO, Bernard Arnault, announced on Tuesday that they would be supporting the rebuild with €200 million ($226 million).

LVMH also said it would make its creative and financial teams available to help with rebuilding and soliciting donations.

The Pinault family, which controls French luxury conglomerate Kering (PPRUF), pledged an additional €100 million ($113 million).

Kering brands include Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

A French oil and gas company, Total (TOT), on Tuesday also pledged €100 million ($113 million) for the cause.

Tech and consulting firm, Capgemini, promised €1 million ($1.1 million).

The fire raged for over 12 hours before firefighters were able to put it out. The 856-year-old Cathedral lost its timbered roofing and iconic spire in the incident.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been opened.

Many of the Cathedral’s treasures were saved – twin bell towers, Crown of Thrones which Jesus wore during his passion, the tunic believed to have been worn by the 13th-century king of France, St. Louis, among others.