All of Mykita’s partners, with the exception of co-founder Moritz Krueger, have withdrawn their participation in the company. Bernd Beets has become Krueger’s new partner.

The financial terms of the new partnership have not been released. Krueger will continue to act as CEO and creative director of Mykita. “In Bernd Beetz, we have found the ideal partner, because he understands Mykita and knows that the creative and innovative culture is our greatest capital,” said Krueger.

Beetz is not new to the world of fashion. Until recently, he was CEO of Coty Inc., a global beauty products company. In 11 years, he grew revenue, expanded the company’s presence to 135 markets and added significant brands to its portfolio. He was also president and CEO of the House of Christian Dior at LVMH.

Long-time optical eyewear industry executive, Antonio Bortuzzo, has joined Kering Eyewear, a division of luxury fashion company Kering as the head of the Americas for the company, VMail has learned. Kering Eyewear is gearing up later this year and into next year with the establishment of its own directly-controlled international eyewear business.

Bortuzzo was most recently president of Viva international Group, just prior to that group being acquired by Marcolin Group in Oct. 2013. His prior roles included CEO of Alain Mikli International, as well as serving as CEO of eyewear wholesaler Allison S.p.A and general manager of Marcolin Group.

Kering is a world leader in apparel and accessories and develops an ensemble of powerful luxury and sport & lifestyle brands: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Christopher Kane, McQ, Stella McCartney, Tomas Maier, Sergio Rossi, Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, JeanRichard, Pomellato, Qeelin, Puma, Volcom, Cobra, Electric and Tretorn.

In a landmark move into the medtech sector, Nikon Corporation, the 98-year-old Japanese company best known for its cameras, has agreed to buy British retinal imaging firm Optos for 259.3 million pounds ($400 million US).

Details in a joint release between the two companies about the acquisition state Nikon will pay 340 pence a share in cash for Optos, a 30.5 percent premium to the closing price on Thursday.

Commenting on the transaction, Kazuo Ushida, president of Nikon corporation, said, “I am pleased to announce this strategically important transaction for Optos and Nikon. I am confident that an Optos/Nikon combination would create a world class ‘retina’ player and would significantly benefit our respective stakeholders. Together, we will pursue various collaboration opportunities and further expand the medical business in the future.”

Dr. Peter Fellner, chairman of Optos, said, “Following the Transaction, Optos will become a key part of Nikon’s future strategy to develop a global medical business and will continue to provide its market leading solutions to the patients we serve. We are therefore pleased to recommend this acquisition to our shareholders.”

According to Nikon, the proposed acquisition of Optos is an important strategic initiative focused on driving sustainable long-term growth. As part of this initiative, Nikon aims to leverage its optical technologies and know-how into the medical industry. Retinal imaging is expected to grow significantly with the vision care needs of an aging population.

Nikon’s acquisition of Optos requires the approval of Optos shareholders, as well as court approval and anti-trust approvals and clearances. The second quarter of 2015 is when the deal is expected to close.

Nikon Corporation is one of the parent companies of Nikon Optical.

http://www.nikon.com/news/2015/optos/pdf/20150227_e01.pdf​