Luxottica's purchase of Ray-Ban confirmed

Luxottica has been predicted to strengthen its market share, from 25.5 per cent to 33.3 per cent. However, the guarantor stated: 'There are other skilled operators on the market, in particular, De Rigo and Safilo, who hold significant market share with brand names which are just as well thought of both at home and abroad.' The European Optical Newsnet service reported the antitrust statement said that licensing agreements were 'not usually of an exclusive nature' and holders of designer labels tended to rotate their choice of partners when it came to manufacturing sunglasses. For example, Luxottica signed a licensing agreement with Bvlgari in 1997, and Ferragamo and Ungaro in 1998. According to the antitrust statement, the market position of companies involved can change due to the effect of brand names being purchased or becoming less popular. Luxottica acquired the B&L division in a cash purchase deal worth $640m in May (News, May 7). The transaction included the Ray-Ban name, and also the Revo, Arnette and Killer Loop brands. golf day has royal supporter More than 60 supporters of optical charity Fight for Sight attended its annual summer golf day last month at Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club, Warwickshire. Pictured is the charity's Royal Patron, HRH The Duke of York, being greeted by Fight for Sight's chairman, Clive Stone. The day raised over &\#163;6,000, bringing the total raised by the club to &\#163;36,000.