Luxottica/Marchon?

**Judy Canty** · 08-05-2003, 04:44 PM

Ok, this is the 3rd or 4th time I've heard the rumor that Luxottica is buying Marchon. This time I was told that Luxottica has no comment and Marchon flatly denies it. I was at LensCrafters when that buyout occured and if I remember correctly, that was the company line too. Anyone know more?

**LENNY** · 08-05-2003, 07:50 PM

it is going around for toolong!
If it is true it would have happenned already!

**Cerissa** · 08-06-2003, 07:37 AM

I recently left a full-time position at LenCrafters and I haven't heard that rumor. The only thing I know changing soon is that they're phasing out Armani. I work with a Marchon Rep know and he hasn't mentioned anything either.

Cerissa

**EyeManFla** · 08-06-2003, 12:53 PM

I can't believe that Luxottica could have enough reserves to swing that big a deal. I am sure that Marchon won't come cheap. And , quite frankly, I don't see Marchon selling out.

**Joann Raytar** · 08-06-2003, 08:30 PM

I've heard rumours that Marchon, as whole, isn't being sought after just a few lines.

**david padgett** · 08-07-2003, 07:04 PM

I would like to lay the rumors to rest that Marchon Eyewear is not selling to Luxottica. First of all I am one of the executives of Marchon and we are not selling the company or any of the divisions. If you read the "Eyewear Intelligence" publication there July 31, 2003 article, page 3, first column, bottome paragraph states that Luxottica management is not interested in any new acquisitions in the wholesale sector. There really is nothing left to say on this subject.

**Joann Raytar** · 08-07-2003, 07:22 PM

Thanks for coming on and replying to the thread! It always helps to hear information from the correct sources and your statement is greatly appreciated.

While your here, perhaps you can help out on another rumour. I heard Marchon has been licensed by Coach to distribute their eyewear. Will stores previously carrying Sointu be able to carry the Coach line?

**david padgett** · 08-07-2003, 08:23 PM

Now we are getting down to facts instead of rumors. Marchon does have the license for Coach Eyewear. We will be launching Coach Eyewear at Vision Expo West this coming September. We are very excited about this addition to our portfolio of brands. The Coach company is one of the hottest growth companies in America today and we at Marchon are proud to be associated with Coach. Regards to our accounts who sold the Sointu products this would have no bearing as to a potential Coach account. Like most brand lines there are some minimum buy-in to be brand qualified.

**LENNY** · 08-07-2003, 09:01 PM

Is Marchon getting Roberto Cavali also a rumor or the truth?

Thanks in advance!

**david padgett** · 08-07-2003, 09:15 PM

I have no knowledge of Marchon and Roberto Cavali in a distribution deal.

Lenny, I like your post about the Marchon and Luxottica rumor. You were right the rumor was out there to long which proves it had no validity! Ever wonder how a rumor likes this starts?

**LENNY** · 08-07-2003, 09:17 PM

How is this for the rumor!

Marchon is bying Luxottica:bbg:

**david padgett** · 08-07-2003, 09:23 PM

Indigestion on that one!

**Joann Raytar** · 08-07-2003, 10:03 PM

Here's another question for you, on the lighter side of things, do you have any idea on which day folks might be able to run into Bo Derek at Marchon's VEW booth?

**david padgett** · 08-08-2003, 07:55 AM

Bo Derek will not be attending Vision Expo West. Yes, we are all disappointed however March 2004 VEE is not that far away.

**Judy Canty** · 08-08-2003, 08:31 AM

Thanks David. Since I don't carry either Lux or Marchon, and I kept hearing this rumor, I decided that someone on the 'Board would have a definitive answer.

**Chris Ryser** · 08-08-2003, 08:40 AM

david padgett said:
I have no knowledge of Marchon and Roberto Cavali in a distribution deal.

Lenny, I like your post about the Marchon and Luxottica rumor. You were right the rumor was out there to long which proves it had no validity! Ever wonder how a rumor likes this starts?

2 possibilities:

1) ON THE GOLF COURSE

2) ON THE OPTIBOARD

**Judy Canty** · 08-08-2003, 08:57 AM

OR other reps...

**Steve Machol** · 08-08-2003, 09:08 AM

Judy Canty said:
OR other reps...

Surely you're no implying that reps sometimes spread rumors, are you? ;)

**Judy Canty** · 08-08-2003, 09:26 AM

Perish the thought!

**varmint** · 08-08-2003, 11:00 AM

David,
I see you hang out in Ponte Vedra, I have a cousin who lives there and he manages the maintenance for the Marsh Landing Country Club. I bet you golf there. Look him up at the course & tell him his cousin in Az said you have a free round of golf coming. His name is Tom Rexroad.
Jim McClafferty

**EyeManFla** · 08-08-2003, 04:40 PM

Steve Machol said:
Surely you're no implying that reps sometimes spread rumors, are you? ;)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....you silly boy. We all know reps would never lie!:finger:

**Joann Raytar** · 08-08-2003, 05:26 PM

I could see why the competition would come in spreading rumours that are designed to make a shop hesitant to order. We carry frames from nine different frame companies many with multiple lines. We carry eight Marchon lines second behind them would be Safilo. We are at the point where we are happy with most of our vendors and aren't planning on bringing in any new lines unless an existing line goes or we see something we fall in love with. The reps know this and the only way to get a line in is to pass on negative info about other lines.

**Johns** · 08-10-2003, 08:56 PM

Dave:

I think that if you were to tell the story of how Marchon got started, it would dispel any rumors about either company. I know the story well, but the details aren't as clear for me since I haven't been w/ the company for many years. (I'm sure the "boys" had a good laugh when they heard the rumor)

**david padgett** · 08-11-2003, 08:08 AM

John,

I have been with Marchon(ALJ) owners since day one. You are right if everyone knew the story this rumor would not have seen the light of day. I won't go into the story on this post but it is truly a great American business success story not only for Marchon owners but for Luxottica as well.

David Padgett

**Pete Hanlin** · 08-11-2003, 09:16 AM

How refreshing to see a thread get right to the facts and throw light on an issue.

I think most of the "Luxottica Acquisition" rumors center around Leonardo del Vecchio (owner of Luxottica). From what I understand, this fellow is richer than God himself.

I was recently reading through one of the European ophthalmic publications and saw an article about Essilor and hostile takeovers. Naturally, this sparked my interest, so I read the article. Turns out it was merely reporting that the board had decided the prospects of a hostile takeover attempt were quite small. Their reasoning was interesting, however (for the purposes of this thread). Basically, they decided that the only player who could legitimately try to purchase enough shares- Leonardo del Vecchio- wasn't interested in our segment of the ophthalmic business.

For me, this is an eye opener. I don't know just how much money this gentleman has, but it must be quite alot if he could even legitimately think of purchasing a multi-billion dollar company.