LONGARONE, Italy—Marcolin Group and Diesel Group have announced
they have reached a preliminary agreement for a future five-year
licensing contract for the production and worldwide distribution of
Diesel sunglasses and ophthalmic frames.
Marcolin and Diesel Group said they will continue contract
negotiations and the agreement is expected to be finalized by Oct. 31,
2010.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to grab new challenges
and have the chance to make use of our design’s expertise with Diesel, a
brand leader in a segment where dynamism, innovation and continuity are
key successful elements,” said Maurizio Marcolin, style and licensing
officer for Marcolin Group.
Renzo Rosso, president of Diesel Group, added, “I have already
been working with Marcolin for DSquared2 and I am personally impressed
by their capability to understand the universe of a brand and turn it
into top quality, high design content products. Diesel is one of the few
true lifestyle brands in the world and with our passion, energy and
innovation capability we can build together a successful positioning,
providing the brand the value and role it deserves.”
As VMail reported on July 22, Safilo Group, which has held the
Diesel license for the production and distribution of Diesel sunglasses
and prescription eyewear collections since 1994, will end their
agreement with the Diesel Group on Dec. 31, 2010.
“We would like to express our appreciation and respect for the
work carried out over the last 16 years with Diesel Group,” said Roberto
Vedovotto, CEO of Safilo. “At the same time, we regret that we could
not reach a shared vision on Diesel’s future strategic development in
the eyewear sector and in line with Safilo Group’s economic and
financial targets for the renewal of its license portfolio.”
Renzo Rosso, chairman of Diesel Group, added: “We would like to
thank Safilo for its valuable contribution during many years of
successful collaboration in which we faced challenges and achieved
important results. Diesel, though loyal to its DNA, is today an
international group with ambitious worldwide development plans in all
its product categories, including the eyewear business, where it will
continue to work with commitment and the spirit of innovation.”
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