California-based VSP Vision, the owner of eyeglass manufacturer Marchon, has agreed to acquire Marcolin, the Italian maker of eyewear under Adidas, Timberland, Skechers, and other luxury and lifestyle brands through licensing agreements. The stake is being acquired from PAI Partners, a private equity firm, as well as other minority shareholders.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in Northern Italy in 1961, Marcolin distributes its eyewear in over 125 countries. Marcolin’s other eyewear licenses include Tom Ford, Guess, Christian Louboutin, Max Mara, Zegna, GCDS, Max&Co., MCM, Pucci, BMW, K-Way, Kenneth Cole, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Rag & Bone, Gant, Harley-Davidson, and Marciano.
VSP Vision, the largest eye care benefits provider in the U.S., acquired Marchon Eyewear in 2008. Marchon’s eyewear licenses include Nike, Canada Goose, Columbia, Converse, and Lacoste in the active lifestyle space. Other labels under license by Marchon include Calvin Klein, DKNY, Donna Karan, Dragon, Ferragamo, Flexon, Karl Lagerfeld, Liu Jo, Longchamp, Marchon NYC, Nautica, Nine West, Pure, Reserva, Skaga, Victoria Beckham, and Zeiss.
“The addition of Marcolin is another example of our commitment to purposeful growth that will provide greater value for VSP members, clients, doctors, and key customers,” said Michael Guyette, president and CEO of VSP Vision. “With a portfolio of some of the world’s most sought-after brands and advanced in-house manufacturing capabilities, Marcolin will strongly complement our existing offerings through Marchon Eyewear as we continue to deliver high-quality eyewear that meets diverse and evolving global customer needs.”
“With a shared passion for bringing the highest quality eyewear to as many people as possible, joining VSP Vision is a perfect fit,” said Fabrizio Curci, CEO and general manager of Marcolin. “We look forward to combining our expertise, focus on craftsmanship, commitment to product innovation and complementary portfolios and geographic presence to give customers the very best in eyewear and service.”
According to the announcement, since being acquired by PAI in 2012, Marcolin’s “performance has advanced significantly, supported by a strong focus on commercial excellence, a strategic corporate reorganization, and the expansion of its brand portfolio through targeted acquisitions, new licensing agreements, and key renewals.”
“We are delighted to have backed Marcolin’s transformation into a world leader in the wholesale eyewear business”, said Raffaele Vitale, partner at PAI. “We are grateful to the management team for their partnership and are confident that Marcolin is well-positioned to continue thriving in the years ahead, with plenty of runway for growth and a portfolio of iconic brands.”
CapM Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins provided legal counsel to the shareholders of Marcolin. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Chiomenti acted as legal advisors to VSP.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Image courtesy Marcolin x Adidas
