De Rigo Vision S.P.A., a family-owned global market leader in design, production, and distribution of high-quality eyewear announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire the full ownership of Rodenstock’s Eyewear division. The Rodenstock Group is a global leader in eye health innovation and manufacturer of biometric, and ophthalmic lenses developing market leading technologies. The transaction will be completed towards the end of the second quarter of 2023.
The acquisition of Rodenstock Eyewear is part of De Rigo’s strategic plan for further international expansion and growth in the premium eyewear segment.
It aims to reinforce the Group’s distribution platform in Central Europe and in particular in the German market, which offers strong growth opportunities for De Rigo. The integration of the Rodenstock Eyewear division into the De Rigo business will strengthen the sales network through additional resources, expertise, and an extensive network in Germany as well as in international markets. Furthermore, the acquisition includes the two high-quality brands Rodenstock Eyewear and Porsche Design Eyewear, which will complement the existing De Rigo product portfolio. This will strengthen De Rigo’s position in the premium-quality eyewear market and further diversify the offering.
De Rigo and Rodenstock are trusted, long-standing partners sharing a unique promise of quality and a strong heritage as family businesses. The transaction marks the next chapter of their continued successful collaboration. Both companies will closely work together to ensure a smooth transition and business continuity for employees, customers, and business partners.
Maurizio Dessolis, Executive Vice Chairman of De Rigo Vision, said: “I am proud to announce this agreement with Rodenstock, with whom we share the values of operational excellence and a client and people centric business: the keys to our companies’ success. We are delighted to complement our portfolio of premium products with the prestigious Rodenstock brands, building a new champion in the eyewear business. We are confident that buil ding on our global platform and network we will be able to support the continued growth of the business and its brands.”
Anders Hedegaard, CEO of Rodenstock, commented: “With De Rigo, we have found a buyer that will ensure business continuity for our eyewear business, and we look forward to our continued collaboration. Due to their great deal of know-how in the frames business and excellent access to international markets De Rigo is ideally positioned to further drive the development of the eyewear business and strengthen its brands Rodenstock Eyewear and Porsche Design Eyewear.”
About De Rigo
De Rigo is at the helm of a world-leading group in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-end prescription glasses and sunglasses. The Group is one of the most important players in the field of optics retail thanks to the chains owned by General Optica (Spain), Mais Optica (Portugal), Opmar Optik (Turkey) and the subsidiary Boots Opticians (UK). Thanks to the extensive wholesale network managed by De Rigo Vision S.p.A., the Group’s products are distributed in approximately 80 countries, mainly in Europe, Asia and the Americas, through 18 companies and over 100 independent distributors. Today, the Group is present in all the most important markets in the world with its brands Lozza, Police, Sting and Yaleaand with the licenses Aramis, Blumarine, Chopard, Diff Eyewear, Escada, Fila, Furla, Gap, John Varvatos, Jones New York, Just Cavalli, Lucky Brand, Mulberry, Nina Ricci, Philipp Plein, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Roberto Cavalli, Tous, Trussardi, TUMI, Victor Hugo, Zadig&Voltaire.
About Rodenstock
The Rodenstock Group is a worldwide leading manufacturer of high-quality ophthalmic lenses. With the philosophy “B.I.G. VISION™ FOR ALL” the lens manufacturer stands for a paradigm shift in individual progressive lenses. The company, which was founded in 1877 with its headquarters in Munich, Germany, employs around 4,900 people worldwide and is represented with sales offices and distribution partners in more than 85 countries. Rodenstock maintains production plants at 14 locations in 13 countries.
