Safilo extends Max Mara license

Luxury eyewear maker Safilo Group has extended its current licensing agreement with Max Mara Group until 2013. Safilo will continue to design, produce and distribute Max Mara branded prescription glasses and sunglasses globally. Further to this, the two companies have reached an agreement for the development and distribution of glasses under the Max & Co brand. The new collection, which will mainly target a young and fashionable market, will launch in 2007.

“Max Mara is very satisfied to be able to announce the continuation and strengthening of its already profitable relationship with Safilo,” said Max Mara Group vice chairman Luigi Maramotti. “The confirmation of the main principals of this agreement, which are strength in creative research and product quality, as well as attention to selective distribution, ensure that we will be able to achieve ambitious goals.” Max Mara was founded by Reggio Emilia in 1951. It distributes its clothing and accessories designs to about 2,000 stores in more than 90 countries.

www.maxmara.com
14 April 2006

Fashion eyewear company sees sales surge

The future is bright for sunglasses manufacturer Luxottica. The Italian eyewear specialist, who makes sunglasses for brands including Ray-Ban, Burberry, Arnette, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana, has seen a significant sales jump. Consolidated sales rose 20% during the first three months of 2006, compared to the same period last year. Luxottica also owns the Sunglasses Hut chain and has been expanding quickly, with six manufacturing plants in Italy and one in China .

Despite a tricky consumer environment, many luxury brands seem to be thriving. Last month, French luxury goods group LVMH reported a 21% rise in net profits during 2005, driven by strong sales of leather goods and wines and spirits. By comparison, Luxottica reported that total sales in 2005 rose to 4.3bn euros (£3bn), while profit totalled 342.3m euros. The company's shares rose by more than 4% on the news.

10 April 2006