Safilo takes control of optical glass manufacturer Lenti

By

Dominique Muret

Translated by
Nicola Mira

Published
Sep 30, 2016

Safilo has strengthened in the sunglasses segment, after acquiring an extra 24.4% interest in Lenti, a manufacturer from Bergamo (Italy) specialised in tinted optical glass. The company was created in 1995 by a team of optical industry professionals and is managed by Marco Negri.

Safilo is controlled by Dutch investment fund Hal, which owns a majority interest in the Italian eyewear group, which in turn now has a 100% stake in Lenti, as stated in a press release. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

The acquisition "is crucial for Safilo's strategy, since it allows the group to become even more solidly grounded in the solar lens segment," indicated the press release, given that "solar lenses are the new frontier, beyond sunglasses."

"Thanks to Lenti, Safilo will be able to rely on state-of-the-art processes and technologies for the development and production of highly specialised lenses, creating unique, decorative graphic effects in response to a very strong trend within the world's most sought-after fashion and luxury brands," further added Safilo.