TLL Staff
VSP Vision completed in December the acquisition of Marcolin, a global leader in eyewear design, manufacturing, and distribution.
VSP bought out the company from PAI Partners and other minority shareholders. The deal is significant for the licensing industry, as Marcolin is a major player in the sector.
Marcolin’s portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands include TOM FORD, Guess, adidas Sport, adidas Originals, Christian Louboutin, Max Mara, Zegna, GCDS, MAX&Co., MCM, Pucci, BMW, K-Way, Kenneth Cole, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, rag & bone, Timberland, GANT, Harley-Davidson, Marciano and Skechers.
The company also produces its own house brands. Founded in Northern Italy in 1961, Marcolin distributes its eyewear collections in more than 125 countries.
The deal is also interesting because VSP Vision is America’s first national, not-for-profit vision benefits company. VSP has operated for 70 years as a leader in health-focused vision care, offering vision benefits, eye care services, eyewear solutions, and optometry practice solutions. VSP already owns the large eyewear company Marchon.
The company’s goal—which Marcolin can certainly support—is to provide affordable access to eye care and eyewear for millions of members through a network of more than 42,000 doctors.
“The acquisition of Marcolin marks another important milestone in our 70-year history of providing VSP members, clients, network doctors, owned retail locations and key customers with more value and choice,” said VSP Vision President and CEO Michael Guyette. “Marcolin’s portfolio of globally renowned brands, manufacturing expertise, and geographic presence greatly complement Marchon Eyewear’s brand portfolio and capabilities, further strengthening our ability to meet evolving customer needs throughout the world.”
Both Marcolin and Marchon will continue to operate as they do today.
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