Essilor: acquisitions in Europe and in the United States

Essilor has acquired Ltl, a major player in the distribution of finished lenses in Europe and in the ophthalmic lens market in Italy and Tri Supreme, one of the ten largest prescription laboratories in the U.S.

Founded in 1980, Ltl originally manufactured glass lenses, before developing the direct sales of plastic lenses, beginning in 1990. It supplies independent laboratories and wholesalers in Italy and across Europe, as well as in the Middle East and South Africa. With 140 employees, Ltl reported 2003 sales of €32 million. In addition to its core finished lens business, the company also owns a prescription laboratory near Padua.

Ltl will become a wholly owned Essilor subsidiary and maintain its current management team.

Furthermore, Essilor of America, a subsidiary of Essilor International, has recently acquired Tri Supreme, one of the ten largest prescription laboratories in the United States.

A long-standing Essilor partner, Tri Supreme distributes products under the Varilux and Crizal brands. Based in Farmingdale, Long Island, near New York City, the company has 95 employees and generates full-year sales of $14 million. The Tri Supreme management team will retain its current responsibilities.

These acquisitions will strengthen Essilor's position in the European finished lens market and represents an excellent opportunity for the company to expand its presence among eye care professionals in the Greater New York area.