EssilorLuxottica Expands with Acquisition of Automation & Robotics

Deal News | Aug 04, 2025 | Finance Community IT - 1 Corporate M&A

EssilorLuxottica Expands with Acquisition of Automation & Robotics

EssilorLuxottica, a leading player in the eyewear industry, has acquired the Belgian company Automation & Robotics (A&R), which specializes in the design and production of automated systems for quality control of eyeglass lenses. Established in 1983, A&R is renowned for its advanced optical metrology and proprietary technologies that facilitate the digitalization of production processes in the ophthalmic sector. The acquisition aligns with EssilorLuxottica's strategy of vertically integrating their business model to ensure top-tier quality and service across the entire value chain. A&R's expertise spans high-precision machinery, cutting-edge software, R&D, production, distribution, and dedicated services, making it a valuable addition to EssilorLuxottica's portfolio. This move follows their acquisition of Optegra, an expanding ophthalmic platform active in five strategic European markets, from MidEuropa in May. Both acquisitions signify EssilorLuxottica's commitment to innovation, quality, and meeting the evolving demands of ophthalmic production, including emerging products like wearables.

Sectors

  • Ophthalmic Industry
  • Industrial Automation
  • Technology and Software

Geography

  • Belgium – The country where Automation & Robotics is headquartered, making it integral to the acquisition.
  • France – EssilorLuxottica's headquarters location, making it relevant for the overall transaction.
  • Europe – EssilorLuxottica operates throughout Europe, and their previous acquisition, Optegra, operates in multiple European countries.

Industry

  • Ophthalmic Industry – This industry is relevant due to EssilorLuxottica and A&R's focus on eyeglass lenses and advanced metrology technologies used within the sector.
  • Industrial Automation – Automation & Robotics' specialization in automated systems for quality control plays a central role in this industry classification.
  • Technology and Software – A&R's expertise in software development for precision machinery and digitalization processes tie the article to this sector.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    EssilorLuxotticaBidding Company/BuyerCompanyA leading company in the eyewear industry acquiring A&R to enhance its vertically integrated business model.
    Automation & Robotics (A&R)Target CompanyCompanySpecializes in designing and producing automated systems for quality control of eyeglass lenses.
    Francesco MilleriChairman and CEOPersonChairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica, commenting on the strategic acquisition.
    Paul du SaillantDeputy CEOPersonDeputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica, involved in the commentary on the acquisition.
    MidEuropaSelling CompanyCompanyThe private equity firm that previously sold Optegra to EssilorLuxottica.