Essilor starts 2012 strongly

Essilor International has recorded a 23.6 per cent rise in revenue at €1,269.9m for the three months ended March 31 over the same period last year.

Its like-for-like growth rate was up 8.5 per cent for lenses and optical instruments at €1,138.9m, with strong momentum in all host regions and successful launches for Optifog and Crizal UV. Europe was up 11 per cent at €405.6m for the same period.

Chairman and chief executive officer Hubert Sagnieres said the company had benefited from growth initiatives, including the roll-out of new products. 'This first-quarter performance, supported by vigorous global demand for better visual health, demonstrates the effectiveness of our strategic plans, their excellent execution and he efficiency of our R&D and marketing programmes, which represent core strengths to drive long-term growth.'