Rapper Lil Wayne has become a major shareholder in a luxury watch and accessories company based in Paris, France.

The Lollipop hitmaker has invested his money in wize&ope, forging a new partnership with firm bosses in the hope of introducing fans in North America to the brand next year (14).

He says, "My personal style, as well as my everyday lifestyle, has always been about individuality and being open minded. I was drawn to wize&ope because of their amazing design, fresh packaging and their support of individuality. I'm excited to bring wize&ope watches Stateside and inspire their future collections."

The hip-hop star celebrated the announcement by performing at the wize&ope flagship store in Paris on Tuesday (15Oct13), before his own concert in the city that night.

The collaboration is the latest business venture for Lil Wayne - the star, who owns his record label, Young Money Entertainment, recently added a women's wear line to his Trukfit clothing collection.