Luxottica-Cole: Usa Ftc asks for additional information

Luxottica Group and Cole National Corporation, today jointly announced that they had received a request from the Federal Trade Commission (Ftc) for additional information and documentary material with respect to the proposed acquisition by Luxottica Group of Cole National through a merger.

Accordingly, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act has been extended until the 30th day after the date of substantial compliance with the request by both parties, unless earlier terminated by the Ftc.

Luxottica Group and Cole National have agreed to use their best efforts to respond to the request as promptly as practicable.

As announced on January 26, 2004, Luxottica Group and Cole National have entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Cole National would become a subsidiary of Luxottica Group, and Cole National's stockholders would receive US$ 22.50 in cash for each share.

Cole National has scheduled a Special Meeting of Stockholders for April 20, 2004, to consider and vote upon the merger. The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2004.