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The spectacle lens manufacturing industry in Europe focuses on producing corrective and protective eyewear, including prescription lenses and sunglasses. Companies in this sector range from established giants like EssilorLuxottica to innovative startups that aim to revolutionize vision care technology. As consumer demand grows for customized and high-quality lenses, manufacturers are integrating advanced materials and digital technologies. The industry's future looks promising, with trends pointing towards sustainable practices and personalized lenses through digital processing. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of telemedicine and online eyewear sales is shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market dynamics and extending reach to a broader audience.

This article highlights 15 prominent investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing sector within Europe. Comprising private equity firms, venture capital investors, and corporations, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se stakeholders vary in size, from smaller entities employing 50 individuals to multinationals with over 10,000 employees. Founded between 1945 and 2018, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y reflect a rich history in investment. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y executed numerous deals last year, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving eyewear industry. Localities stretch from London to Stockholm and beyond, bringing togeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r insights and capital from across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ continent.

Top 15 Spectacle Lens Manufacturing Investors in Europe

1. Essilor Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Charenton-Le-Pont, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Essilor Group, founded in 1972 and based in Charenton-Le-Pont, ÃŽle-De-France, France, is a corporate investor and a leading manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses. The company specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ design, production, and sale of various optical products aimed at enhancing vision and protecting against harmful light. Essilor serves both consumers and eyecare professionals, providing innovative solutions for vision correction and eye health. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Luxottica Group SpA for $24 billion in 2017, which significantly expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir reach in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyewear market. Additionally, Essilor acquired Transitions Optical for $1.73 billion in 2014, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photochromic lens category. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant acquisitions include Omega Optix and Lens & Spects, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing industry. Through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se strategic investments, Essilor continues to lead in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical sector, focusing on innovation and growth in vision care.

2. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing context, such as its investment in NIL Technology ApS, a company specializing in advanced optical solutions. NIL Technology raised significant funding rounds, including a $31 million Series B round and several grants, which highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's commitment to supporting companies that could impact Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical and spectacle lens manufacturing industries.

3. EssilorLuxottica

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

EssilorLuxottica is a prominent corporate investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2018. The company is a leader in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyecare and eyewear industry, focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, prescription glasses, and sunglasses. With over 10,000 employees, EssilorLuxottica has made significant investments to expand its market presence. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of GrandVision for â‚�7.1 billion, which added over 7,200 stores and approximately â‚�3.7 billion in annual revenues to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir optical retail platform in Europe. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Walman Optical, a U.S.-based lab network, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir lens manufacturing capabilities. Their acquisition of Salmoiraghi & Viganò, an Italian optician chain, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical retail space. Most recently, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Heidelberg Engineering, indicating ongoing investment in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyecare sector. These transactions highlight EssilorLuxottica's strategic focus on expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing and retail industry.

4. Crowdcube

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several relevant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing context, including Cambridge Spectacle Co., which raised $249,293 in September 2022, and Coral Eyewear, which raised $333,520 in June 2023. Additionally, Crowdcube supported SunGod, a performance sunglasses startup, which raised significant funds in multiple rounds, showcasing its active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyewear sector.

5. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m achieve sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hans Anders, a leading optical retailer in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux region, for â‚�200 million in 2017. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Óticas Carol, a Brazilian eyewear retailer, to support its expansion plans. These transactions highlight 3i Group's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical market, which encompasses spectacle lens manufacturing.

6. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among its notable transactions, EQT acquired Carl Zeiss Vision in 2005, a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens industry, and Sola International, an eyeglass lens manufacturer, in a deal valued at approximately $1.1 billion. These acquisitions highlight EQT's strategic focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optics and spectacle lens manufacturing sectors, alongside its broader investment activities.

7. Bgf

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn:

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF addresses Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market by making minority investments and offering extensive support services to help businesses scale. Notably, BGF has invested in companies such as Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists, which operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical sector, securing a £12m investment to support its growth strategy. This investment highlights BGF's engagement with businesses that are relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing industry. Additionally, BGF has been involved in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions, including investments in technology firms like M Squared Lasers, which, while not directly related to spectacle lenses, showcases BGF's diverse investment portfolio and capability to support innovative companies.

8. Halma plc

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amersham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1894
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Halma plc is a technology company based in Amersham, England, founded in 1894. It operates primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ safety, environmental analysis, and healthcare sectors, providing innovative solutions that enhance safety and operational efficiency. Halma has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical and healthcare fields, including Medicel AG, a manufacturer of optical devices, and Visiometrics, an objective refraction specialist. These acquisitions, along with oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs like Accutome, Inc. and Microsurgical Technology, Inc., which focus on ophthalmic surgical products, highlight Halma's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing and vision care markets. Through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investments, Halma aims to leverage trends related to an ageing population and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ increasing demand for advanced optical technologies.

9. Lvmh

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH operates across various sectors, including fashion, leaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. The company serves affluent consumers and businesses, providing exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage. Recently, LVMH expanded its portfolio by acquiring Barton Perreira, an eyewear brand, for approximately $80 million on November 6, 2023. This acquisition aims to enhance LVMH's offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyewear sector and expand Barton Perreira's presence in European and Asian markets. This move highlights LVMH's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyewear industry, which is closely related to spectacle lens manufacturing.

10. Alcon

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Alcon is a corporate investor based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1945. The company specializes in eye care, offering a wide range of innovative vision products and surgical solutions. Alcon's portfolio includes contact lenses, eye care solutions, and surgical instruments aimed at treating various eye diseases. They have made significant investments in companies that enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eye care market. Notably, Alcon has acquired several companies relevant to spectacle lens manufacturing, including LensX Lasers, which focuses on laser technology for eye surgeries, and WaveLight, which is involved in refractive surgery technologies. These acquisitions demonstrate Alcon's commitment to advancing vision correction solutions, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing industry.

11. Supernova Invest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 12
• LinkedIn:

Supernova Invest is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in deeptech investments, providing funding and strategic guidance to startups across various sectors, including healthcare, cleantech, and digital technologies. Supernova Invest emphasizes ESG principles and innovation, helping entrepreneurs navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ complexities of scaling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series B financing of Allotex, which is developing technology for treating refractive errors, a key area in spectacle lens manufacturing. Their investment in Allotex highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optics sector, alongside oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions in deeptech and healthcare, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting advancements that could impact Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens industry.

12. ZEISS Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 1846
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

The ZEISS Group, founded in 1846 and based in Oberkochen, Germany, is a leading technology enterprise specializing in optics and optoelectronics. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ZEISS offers a diverse range of products, including medical technology solutions, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and high-quality optical systems for consumers and businesses. Notably, ZEISS has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing industry, exemplified by its acquisition of Sola International, an eyeglass lens maker, in 2005. This strategic move not only enhanced ZEISS's portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical sector but also underscored its commitment to innovation and sustainability. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, ZEISS has continued to expand its capabilities through various acquisitions, including Aaren Scientific, which bolstered its offerings for ophthalmic surgeons, and investments in companies like Morrow Optics and CREAL, which focus on advanced optical technologies. These transactions reflect ZEISS's ongoing dedication to enhancing its capabilities and experiences across diverse industries, including spectacle lens manufacturing.

13. Ardian

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eye care sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions, a leader in laser systems for treating refractive errors, and Vista Vision Group, which provides high-level healthcare services in eye surgery. These strategic investments highlight Ardian's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eye care industry, positioning it as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing space.

14. Jsc Rusnano

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Moscow, Moscow, Russia
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn:

Jsc Rusnano is a venture capital firm based in Moscow, Russia, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in advancing nanotechnology and high-tech industries, investing in innovative projects across various sectors, including healthcare and renewable energy. Rusnano collaborates with businesses and research institutions to foster growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se fields. Among its notable transactions, Rusnano has invested in companies such as Connector Optics and Optic Fiber Systems, both of which are involved in optical technologies. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm invested $40.5 million in Monocrystal, a company that may have applications in optics. These investments highlight Rusnano's engagement in sectors that intersect with spectacle lens manufacturing, making it a potentially relevant investor in this category.

15. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical sector, particularly with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Synsam Nordic A/S, an optical retailer, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to enhancing growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyewear market. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Rayner Surgical Group, while primarily focused on surgical products, also aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader vision of improving vision care. These transactions reflect CVC's strategic approach to investing in sectors that contribute to sustainable value and growth, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing industry.

Spectacle Lens Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Charenton-Le-Pont, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1972	1
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	2018	8
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	Amersham, England, United Kingdom (UK)	5001-10000	1894	5
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1945	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	2017	12
	Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	1846	4
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
	Moscow, Moscow, Russia	201-500	2007	0
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ spectacle lens manufacturing industry?

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With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!