Kering Eyewear acquires Visard and a minority stake in Mistral
Kering Eyewear has signed an acquisition agreement with two Italian eyewear manufacturers, Visard and Mistral.
The deal entails Kering Eyewear acquiring 100% of Visard’s share capital and a minority stake in Mistral, with the option to complete its full acquisition by 2030.
Founded in 1985 and 1991 respectively, Visard and Mistral are based in the Belluno area, one of the world’s most renowned eyewear districts, and specialize in the production of sunglasses and optical frames.
Visard, with around 75 employees, boasts strong expertise and unique craftsmanship, focusing on the production of injected optical frames and sunglasses.
Mistral, with around 120 employees, has outstanding expertise in crafting acetate eyewear, thanks to its top-tier manufacturing and continuous technical innovation.
Visard and Mistral have been strategic partners of Kering Eyewear since its foundation, and this operation will allow the company to further strengthen its leadership in the design, development, and distribution of high-end eyewear, while also marking another important step forward in its industrial development strategy.
Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President and CEO of Kering Eyewear, stated:
"Over the years, Visard, Mistral, and their respective founders have significantly contributed to the success of Kering Eyewear by providing our company with unparalleled quality and technical know-how.We are therefore grateful and proud to welcome Visard into Kering Eyewear, and pleased to collaborate more closely with Mistral in the next phase of its development. This confirms our commitment to supporting the exceptional human capital of the Belluno district, reinforcing it as a center of excellence in the eyewear industry by further investing in innovation and artisanal excellence."
The transaction is subject to customary antitrust approvals and is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 2025.
