Essilor adds to US lab network

Essilor International has invested in six prescription labs in the US, Canada and Brazil representing revenue of around €38m.

The lens company said it was pursuing a strategy of forging local partnerships in the countries.

It completed three deals in the US, acquiring majority stakes in two Rx labs together with a majority share in Frame Displays, which designs, manufactures and distributes display furniture and accessories for optical stores.

Essilor also signed partnerships with Canadian lab group Riverside Optical and a Brazilian operator.

Hubert Sagnières, chairman and chief executive officer of Essilor, said: ‘In an optics market that remains highly fragmented, Essilor will continue to develop its regional deployment model, which is unique and creates value for the company’s shareholders.’