Luxottica (BIT: LUX) Global Empire: M&A History

Executive Summary

• Over the past 20 years, Italy-based Luxottica has expanded through numerous acquisitions and grown into the world’s largest consumer eyewear frame manufacturer, with US$9.7 billion in annual sales and a market capitalization of US$26 billion.
• Luxottica’s acquisitions have included purchases of sunglass manufacturers, optical retailers and eyewear wholesalers globally. Some of the company’s largest and most prominent acquisitions included Oakley, Rayban, Sunglass Hut and Lens Crafters.
• Luxottica recently announced a mega merger with France-based ophthalmic lens manufacturer Essilor to form a powerhouse eyewear industry player in a deal valued at nearly US$50 billion.