Design Eyewear Group announces the acquisition of six eyewear brands from the French company KNCO. The acquisition includes two proprietary adult brands – Francois Pinton and Karavan – two proprietary children’s brands – Karavan Kids and Kaliboo – as well as the licensed children’s brands Jacadi and Catimini.
KNCO has long been a strong player in especially the French eyewear market, focusing on both proprietary adult brands with a strong French heritage, as well as being one of the key players within the children frames segment. By selectively acquiring six brands and key assets, Design Eyewear Group strengthens its foothold in France, one of Europe’s most important eyewear markets, while entering a new product category, which the company expect to expand to other key markets.
Children’s Eyewear: A New Strategic Category
This acquisition marks Design Eyewear Group’s first step into children’s eyewear. Frames for children face unique demands: they must be durable, safe, and comfortable, while also appealing in style. KNCO is a market leader in this segment, holding a key position in France, making the addition of Karavan Kids, Kaliboo, Jacadi, and Catimini a natural fit for its portfolio.
Continuity and Strategic Growth
“This is another important step in our journey,” says Lars Flyvholm, CEO of Design Eyewear Group. “Following our June acquisition of MENRAD and the licensing agreements with Jaguar, JOOP!, Bogner, and Morgan, this new addition gives us an even broader foundation for growth. We are expanding not just geographically but also into new segments, such as children’s eyewear, where we see strong potential. The KNCO brands fit naturally into our portfolio, complementing our existing strengths in design, craftsmanship, and international distribution.”
Approximately 15 KNCO employees will join Design Eyewear Group. This includes four experienced designers and product managers who will continue developing the brands, as well as sales reps and the customer service team who know the customers and product portfolio in depth.
Looking Ahead
With this acquisition, Design Eyewear Group underlines its commitment to long-term growth through carefully selected brands that combine strong identities with market potential. By adding both established adult labels and highly demanded children’s lines, Design Eyewear Group are building an even more diverse portfolio that reflects the needs of today’s eyewear customers.
Design Eyewear Group will take over the brands starting October 11th, 2025.
Source: Design Eyewear Group
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