In focus: Trouble at the top

Of all the theoretical roadblocks ahead of Essilor and Luxottica when the two optical superpowers announced their intention to merge in 2017, in-fighting would have been well down on people’s lists. But financial experts have warned that the well-documented falling out could do long-term damage to the company.

Essilor International and Luxottica negotiated anti-competition hurdles around the world, and all was seemingly well as the new entity, EssilorLuxottica was officially ratified in November 2018. Shortly after, however, deep divisions at the very highest level became apparent.
In March, tensions over EssilorLuxottica’s governance boiled over with a very public spat and then in April, the firm was forced to hire outside recruitment specialists in the search for a permanent CEO.