Two of the sons of Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, joined the luxury giant's board of directors on Thursday, a further sign of the desire to strengthen the family roots of a sprawling empire whose activities range from fashion to hotels.

LVMH shareholders approved the appointments of Alexandre and Frédéric Arnault, the two brothers aged 31 and 29, joining Delphine and Antoine Arnault, 49 and 46, on the board.

Bernard Arnault's five children all hold key management positions, including the youngest sibling, Jean Arnault, 25.

At Thursday's Annual General Meeting, shareholders also approved the appointment of French businessman Henri de Castries to the Board of Directors.

Bernard Arnault, 75, has recently reshuffled LVMH's management team, while reaffirming his intention to remain at the head of the group, the businessman having notably declared in January that he had no intention of leaving in the short or medium term.

Two years ago, the group raised the age limit for his appointment to 80. (Reported by Mimosa Spencer, Augustin Turpin, edited by Blandine Hénault)