An exclusive agreement for Luxottica acquisition of Alain Mikli

Andrea Guerra: "This potential acquisition perfectly reflects our long-term growth strategy" Luxottica with Alain Miklitarian and NEO Capital, the London-based investment company specializing in the expansion of luxury brands, today announced an exclusivity agreement for the acquisition by Luxottica of 100% of Alain Mikli International, the French company operating in the luxury and trendsetting eyewear sector.   Luxottica will thereby further strengthen the luxury segment of its brand portfolio with Alain Mikli's exclusive designs inspired by its founder's origins and which combine unique details and the original use of color. The Alain Mikli brand was created in Paris in 1978 and has always been a synonym for innovative design. Its sophisticated, unconventional style makes it one of today's most recognizable brands in the eyewear sector. At December 31, 2011, Alain Mikli's net turnover was about 60 million euros.   "This potential operation perfectly reflects our long-term growth strategy", said Luxottica CEO Andrea Guerra. "Thanks to its innovative design, Alain Mikli will enrich the luxury segment in our portfolio and further strengthen the vision segment in which we have invested considerably in recent years, thereby contributing to the sound growth of the Group. Moreover, our vertically integrated business model and consolidated experience in distributing up-market eyewear will enable the Alain Mikli brand to grow its global distribution while maintaining its exclusiveness".   Alain Miklitarian commented: "I am especially happy about starting out on this new adventure. For 35 years I have pursued the same idea and the same dream: to please our clients. Collaborating with Luxottica could be a big new opportunity to take the Alain Mikli brand to higher levels of distribution, quality and service. Now I can share my passion with many consumers throughout the world".   "Alain Mikli is a consolidated company and a successful brand in the luxury sector", commented David Belhassen, founder of NEO, "and I am pleased that it will become part of a great group like Luxottica".   The acquisition proposal will be the subject of consultations with the Alain Mikli Works Council.