Safilo expands its lens capability and technology through 100% ownership of Lenti

29/09/2016

SAFILO EXPANDS ITS LENS CAPABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY THROUGH 100% OWNERSHIP OF LENTI (BERGAMO – Italy)

Padua, September 29, 2016 – Safilo Group, the fully integrated Italian Eyewear creator, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of quality and trust, announces the acquisition of a further 24.4% interest in Lenti S.r.l., a manufacturer of sun lenses based in Bergamo, already 75.6% owned. As a result, Safilo has expanded its ownership to 100% of the company.
 
This acquisition further reinforces Safilo’s stronghold in lens manufacture, where the Group already plays an innovator role thanks to Polaroid, the inventor of the original polarized lenses, and the Smith Chroma Pop technology. With Lenti, Safilo is in a position to use uniquely advanced processes and technology for the development and production of the state-of-the-art decorated lenses that are currently setting the trend for the most sought after fashion-luxury brands around the world.
 
Lenti was founded in 1995 through the collaboration of several optical production specialists, led by Mr. Marco Negri and Safilo. Today, Lenti designs, develops and manufactures lenses end-to-end, counting on the most advanced Research & Development and Manufacturing capabilities that are leading the Eyewear industry and Fashion tendencies with unique graphic design lenses.

“Sun lenses are the new frontier “Beyond The Frame”. They are an integral part and a unique differentiator for our most precious Eyewear designs. With Lenti, we confirm our strategic commitment to sun lens innovation, research and development to exclusively creative lens designs with unique craftsmanship. We are excited about the industry leading research of our Lenti R&D team, and very happy to count on Marco's continued expertise and contribution for this journey", says Luisa Delgado, Chief Executive Officer of Safilo Group. "With this investment, we add another brick to the 2020 Global Supply Network Reinvention. As is happening at our other manufacturing sites, we are investing also here in people, tools, machinery and processes, to increase innovation, quality, capacity and to reduce time to market. It is our aim to serve more of our brands with our most cutting-edge, high design and decorative lenses".

About Safilo Group
Safilo Group is the fully integrated Italian eyewear creator and worldwide distributor of quality and trust, leader in the premium sector for sunglasses, optical frames and sports eyewear. Design inspired and brand driven, Safilo translates extraordinary design into excellent products created thanks to a superior craftsmanship expertise dating back to 1878. With an extensive wholly owned global distribution network in 39 countries – in North and Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific and China – Safilo is committed to quality distribution of its products all around the world. Safilo’s portfolio encompasses Carrera, Polaroid, Smith, Safilo, Oxydo, Dior, Dior Homme, Fendi, Gucci, Banana Republic, Bobbi Brown, BOSS, BOSS Orange, Céline, Elie Saab, Fossil, Givenchy, havaianas, Jack Spade, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Max&Co., Pierre Cardin, Saks Fifth Avenue, Swatch, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (ISIN code IT0004604762, Bloomberg SFL.IM, Reuters SFLG.MI), in 2015 Safilo recorded net revenues for Euro 1,279 million.

Contacts:

Safilo Group Investor Relations
Barbara Ferrante
Ph. +39 049 6985766
http://investors-en.safilogroup.com

 

Safilo Group Press Office
Antonella Leoni
Milan – Ph. +39 02 77807607
Padua – Ph. +39 049 6986021

Last update: 31/10/2016, 11:52