sapphire, a historic Italian eyewear group, has Lenti Srl sale made official a Kering Eyewear, part of the French luxury giant led by François-Henri Pinault. Founded in 1996 in the province of Bergamo, Lenti is a manufacturing excellence specialized in production of spectacle lenses from sunglasses and high-precision extra-optical components, also used in the automotive, motorcycle and lighting sectors.
The company, which has about 100 employees, was part of Safilo since its inception. The transaction, whose economic terms were not disclosed, represents a new chapter for one of the main industrial hubs of Italian eyewear.
Safilo, the future passes through innovation and global distribution
For Safilo this is a rationalization choice, in line with a path of redefinition of the operating model. The group, based in Padua and with over 90 years of history, is accelerating digital transformation and on the enhancement of its brand portfolio, combining Italian design and advanced technological platforms.
With a network of direct branches in 40 countries and over 100 points of sale served worldwide, Safilo continues to have a widespread presence in the eyewear market, maintaining a strong industrial vocation thanks to its own factories and qualified partners. Among brands in portfolio own brands stand out Career, Polaroid e Smith, in addition to high-profile licenses such as David Beckham Eyewear, BOSS, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs e Moschino.
In 2024 the group recorded a net turnover of 993,2 million euro, confirming itself as one of the main players in the sector at a global level. With this operation, Safilo confirms its desire to focus on the areas with the highest added value: design, digital innovation and direct access to the final consumer.
Kering strengthens with Italian know-how
On the Kering Eyewear front, the operation marks a further Strengthening the industrial strategy.
“We have appreciated the excellence of Lenti products for many years and we are very proud to see it now become part of Kering Eyewear, bringing another area of expertise to our platform of world-class manufacturing capabilities, state-of-the-art facilities and, above all, talent,” commented Roberto Vedovotto, founder, chairman and CEO of Kering Eyewear.
The French group that made thedirect expansion in the production chain a strategic axis continues thus invest in eyewear made in Italy, strengthening its presence in one of the most important districts for the production of high-end glasses and components.
