News

DE RIGO TO ACQUIRE RODENSTOCK’S EYEWEAR DIVISION

Transaction strengthens De Rigo’s distribution platform and regional footprint and adds two prestigious brands to its portfolio

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, ophthalmic lenses developing market leading technologies. The transaction will be completed towards the end of 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 on 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 building 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.”