Kering Eyewear acquires Visard and a minority stake of Mistral as part of its industrial development strategy

Kering Eyewear has signed an agreement with two Italian eyewear manufacturers, Visard and Mistral. This agreement provides for Kering Eyewear to acquire 100% of the share capital of Visard and to become a minority shareholder of Mistral with the possibility to complete the full acquisition in 2030.

Founded in 1985 and 1991 respectively, Visard and Mistral are located in the Belluno area, one of the most renowned eyewear districts in the world, and operate in the manufacturing of sunglasses and optical frames. Visard, with approximately 75 employees, possesses a strong know-how and exceptional artisanal skills, focusing on the production of injected plastic optical frames and sunglasses. Mistral, with approximately 120 employees, incorporates a great expertise in creating acetate eyewear, distinguished by high-quality craftmanship and technical innovation.

Visard and Mistral have been long-standing, strategic partners of Kering Eyewear since its inception, and this transaction will enable the company to further strengthen its leading position in the design, development, and distribution of high-end eyewear, while representing a step forward in its industrial development strategy.

Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President and CEO of Kering Eyewear, stated: “Throughout the years, Visard, Mistral, and their respective founding entrepreneurs have provided an invaluable contribution to the success of Kering Eyewear, bringing unparalleled quality and technical expertise to our company. We are therefore proud to welcome Visard within Kering Eyewear and delighted to partner with Mistral for the next phase of its development, confirming our commitment to continuing to support the exceptional human capital of the Belluno district, empowering it as the center of the eyewear industry, while further investing in innovation and promoting craftmanship excellence”.

The transaction is subject to the clearance by the relevant competition authorities and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.

About Kering Eyewear 
Kering Eyewear is part of Kering, a global Luxury group that develops a series of renowned Houses in Fashion, Leather Goods, and Jewelry.
Founded in 2014, Kering Eyewear is the most relevant player in the Luxury Eyewear market segment. The Company designs, develops and distributes eyewear for a complete and well-balanced portfolio of 14 brands including Gucci, Cartier, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Chloé, Alexander McQueen, Montblanc, Dunhill, Alaïa, and Puma, together with its proprietary brands LINDBERG, Maui Jim, and Zeal Optics.

About Visard S.r.l.
Founded in 1985 in the heart of the Veneto eyewear district, Visard designs and produces sunglasses and optical frames in injected plastic materials and metal, both under its own brand and for the main global players in the sector. In-house manufacturing and direct control of every phase of the process from design to production and sales guarantee maximum flexibility and allow to offer customers customized, high-quality products.

About Mistral S.r.l.
Mistral was founded in 1991, as a spin-off of Visard, by its founders and technicians with long-standing experience in the development of sunglasses and optical frames in metal and acetate. The company immediately established itself as a leader in the sector, distinguishing itself for its continuous innovation and the qualitative and cutting-edge solutions offered to the exclusive clientele of global luxury brands.

Press contact:
Kering Eyewear – Senior PR Manager: Elisa Muzio elisa.muzio@kering.com