Key Stats
- 2024 Revenue: €26.51 billion (EssilorLuxottica combined entity)
- Market Capitalization: $154 billion (December 2025)
- Global Workforce: Over 200,000 employees across 150 countries
- Retail Presence: 18,000 stores including LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision
- Market Leadership: Controls over 20% of the $120 billion global eyewear market
Luxottica Group SpA stands as the world’s largest eyewear manufacturer and retailer. Founded in 1961 by Leonardo Del Vecchio in Agordo, Italy, the company transformed from a small parts supplier into a global eyewear powerhouse.
The company owns iconic brands including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and Oliver Peoples. Luxottica also operates major retail chains such as LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, and Pearle Vision.
In 2018, Luxottica merged with French lens manufacturer Essilor to form EssilorLuxottica. This merger created a vertically integrated company controlling eyewear design, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations across the globe.
Luxottica History
Luxottica Co-founders
Luxottica Revenue
EssilorLuxottica generated €26.51 billion in revenue for 2024, representing 6% growth year over year. The company has achieved four consecutive years of revenue growth exceeding 5% at constant exchange rates.
North America remains the largest market, contributing €11.9 billion in annual revenue. The company targets reaching €27-28 billion by 2026.
Luxottica Competitors
The global eyewear market remains fragmented despite Luxottica’s dominant position. Several manufacturers and retailers compete across premium, mid-range, and value segments of the industry.
| Company | Headquarters | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| Safilo Group | Padua, Italy | Third largest eyewear manufacturer globally |
| Kering Eyewear | Paris, France | Second largest; owns Gucci, Balenciaga eyewear |
| Marchon Eyewear | New York, USA | Major licensee for Nike, Calvin Klein eyewear |
| Marcolin Group | Longarone, Italy | Produces Tom Ford, Guess eyewear |
| De Rigo Vision | Longarone, Italy | Partners with Prada for eyewear licensing |
| Warby Parker | New York, USA | Direct-to-consumer disruptor since 2010 |
| HOYA Corporation | Tokyo, Japan | Major lens manufacturer and optical retailer |
| Fielmann Group | Hamburg, Germany | Largest European optical retailer by stores |
| Rodenstock Group | Munich, Germany | Premium lens and frame manufacturer |
| Carl Zeiss Vision | Oberkochen, Germany | Premium precision optics manufacturer |
Luxottica Marketcap
EssilorLuxottica trades on Euronext Paris under the symbol “EL” and is included in the CAC 40 index. The company reached a market capitalization of approximately $154 billion as of December 2025.
The stock has shown strong performance, increasing over 55% in market value during 2024-2025. The company ranks among the 125 most valuable publicly traded companies globally.
Luxottica Acquisitions
Luxottica built its empire through strategic acquisitions spanning four decades. The company targeted both iconic eyewear brands and retail distribution networks to achieve vertical integration.
The 1999 Ray-Ban acquisition for $640 million transformed Luxottica from a manufacturer into a brand powerhouse. Ray-Ban’s aviator and Wayfarer designs had become cultural icons, and Luxottica revitalized the brand through improved quality and marketing investments.
The $2.1 billion Oakley acquisition in 2007 added sports performance eyewear to the portfolio. Oakley had previously disputed Luxottica’s pricing policies, but declining stock prices following a removal from Luxottica retail stores made the company vulnerable to acquisition.
Retail acquisitions proved equally important. LensCrafters, acquired in 1995, gave Luxottica direct access to American consumers. Sunglass Hut, purchased in 2001, added over 1,300 retail locations and strengthened the company’s sunglasses distribution.
The 2018 merger with Essilor created the world’s first fully integrated eyewear company. Essilor contributed lens manufacturing expertise including Varilux progressive lenses and Transitions photochromic technology. The combined entity now controls the entire supply chain from lens production through retail sales.
Recent acquisitions show continued expansion. The 2024 purchase of Supreme for $1.5 billion marks the company’s first major move into fashion apparel beyond eyewear. The partnership with Meta on Ray-Ban smart glasses has exceeded 2 million units sold, positioning the company at the forefront of wearable technology.
FAQs
Who founded Luxottica and when?
Leonardo Del Vecchio founded Luxottica in 1961 in Agordo, Italy. He started by manufacturing metal parts for eyeglasses before producing complete frames.
What brands does Luxottica own?
Luxottica owns Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Oliver Peoples, and Vogue Eyewear. It also holds licensing agreements with Armani, Chanel, Prada, and other luxury brands.
When did Luxottica merge with Essilor?
Luxottica merged with Essilor on October 1, 2018. The combined company, EssilorLuxottica, became the world’s largest eyewear company with full vertical integration.
How much did Luxottica pay for Ray-Ban?
Luxottica acquired Ray-Ban from Bausch and Lomb in 1999 for $640 million. The acquisition gave Luxottica ownership of the world’s most recognized sunglasses brand.
What is EssilorLuxottica’s market share?
EssilorLuxottica controls over 20% of the global eyewear market valued at more than $120 billion. The company holds over 50% market share in sunglasses.
