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Ocuco Acquires B&F Groep

Ocuco_HansL_LeoMCOss, the Netherlands and Dublin, Ireland– Ocuco has entered the Dutch market through the acquisition of B&F Groep, market leading optical Practice Management Software (PMS) provider in The Netherlands.

B&F Groep Managing Director Hans Lugtenberg will join Ocuco’s senior management team and, in addition, will continue to run the B&F Optic subsidiary from his office in Oss. All staff will be retained to continue to develop the Apollo and ApolloCS software for its 400-plus customers, who will also have access to Ocuco’s broader product portfolio. B&F’s non-optical products, including their market leading salon software, will continue to be developed and supplied under the leadership of Patrick Klappe.

Hans Lugtenberg commented, “Now B&F Optics is part of Ocuco we can deliver continuity in the long term, developing the best software for our customers. Our 4 developers are now part of a team of 60, and in cooperation with suppliers of lenses, contact lenses, and optical instruments, we are now able to develop interfaces and innovative new products across multiple optical technologies.”

Wells Fargo’s Technology Finance unit funded the acquisition as part of a €23 million credit line extended to Ocuco. In addition to completing this acquisition, the facility puts Ocuco into a good position to pursue further acquisitions in the region and to expand R&D.

Leo Mac Canna commented, “B&F is a great company. The acquisition further strengthens our position in the European marketplace, and from a management perspective Hans is a particularly talented guy and we are delighted to have him on our team.”

Eschenbach Appoints New CFO

Danbury, CT – Eschenbach announces the appointment of Taron Sutcliffe as new Chief Financial Officer, effective December 28, 2016. Taron joins Eschenbach from a long career in progressive accounting, financial and operational roles with experience in the consumer packaged goods and pharmaceutical packaging industries.

Taron joins the team, as Craig Keith, Eschenbach’s former Vice President of Operations and Treasurer retires after 26 years of service. Taron is a critical addition to the company and will lead the financial and logistics teams to even greater levels of efficiency and productivity.

To read the full press release, click HERE.

Diane von Furstenberg’s Latest Eyewear Statements

DVF has put her signature style and fashion for flair on two new ophthalmic frames.  The latest release showcases a rich and vibrant acetate frame front with translucent temples featuring her signature metal foil logo. The DVF5085 (photo) is a must have for today’s busy modern woman. To further compliment the collection is DVF8054, a timeless semi-rimless frame with unique and innovative temples creating a chic colour bloc look.

Diane von Furstenberg is distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

Report: LVMH to Take Equity Stake in Marcolin Group

The French luxury goods group LVMH is preparing to acquire a 10% stake in Italy-based Marcolin Eyewear, in order to ensure better control over production.

Relatives of the LVMH group told Bloomberg and Reuter that the intentions of LVMH are expected to made known in the coming weeks. Marcolin currently manufactures the Emilio Pucci frames as part of a licensing agreement with LVMH.

The same anonymous sources argue that the French luxury giant could possibly repatriate other brands at Marcolin, notably Celine, in order to centralize production there.

“LVMH has been making sunglasses for the Louis Vuitton line so they aren’t a stranger to the eyewear industry. Kering has made an example to all the other fashion houses that it is possible.”, said, Registered Optician and  Eyewear Social Media influencer @ThroughaSpectacle., Howard K.

Industry analyst Zuzanna Pusz indicated that this would be very bad news for Safilo. Safilo currently holds licenses for several brands of LVMH (Dior, Marc Jacobs, Celine, Fendi and Givenchy). The agreement with Celine ends in 2017 and will not be renewed. The share price of Safilo lost 15% of its stock market value in the wake of these revelations.

Sources:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-19/lvmh-said-close-to-buying-marcolin-stake-to-expand-production

Http://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/mode-luxe/0211713449897-lunettes-lvmh-pourrait-entrer-au-capital-de-litalien-marcolin-2058844.php

Frames Designed for the Adventurer in All of Us

The Dragon Destiny collection is designed for a younger generation who has a love for life and adventure. Introducing the latest feature frames, the Grant and Sam (photo), classic shapes with an edge of fashion flare for the style conscious.  Attention is paid to every last detail on these stunning frames, featuring their signature 5 barrel hinge, exposed custom core wire, and strategically placed Dragon logo detailing.

Dragon Eyewear is distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

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