MILAN—Mondottica Group recently announced a series of new licenses and an acquisition, which are broadening the eyewear company’s global portfolio.

Just prior to the start of the Mido exhibition last week, Mondottica reported the strategic acquisition of French eyewear manufacturer and distributor Lunettes Yves Cogan. “The integration of French-made luxury eyewear manufacturing capability will underpin Mondottica Group’s expansion in to the ultra-luxury market through its dedicated luxury business unit, Brando. It will also provide further technical manufacturing and innovation capability to the Group’s new proprietary brand vision,” an announcement said.

The company added that the acquisition will also afford Mondottica synergies in management and distribution to support the continued growth of Cogan’s business in key markets. Said Mondottica Group founder and CEO, Michael Jardine, “We have known and respected Yves Cogan’s work for many years and are very pleased to have the company become a member of the Mondottica family.”

“Mondottica Group will give even greater scope to the Cogan brand distribution network and benefit from our strong French distribution network, added Yves Yves Cogan, founder of the eponymous company. Following the acquisition, Yves Cogan will continue to Lunettes Yves Cogan as an independent consultant on an exclusive basis. The company will continue to be based in Jura region of France with no planned workforce reorganization.

In other news, Mondottica announced a new partnership agreement to develop eyewear collections with SMCP Group for the Sandro and Maje brands, both global licenses which will run through 2021.

Licenses signed between Mondottica and the Parisian brands are for a full range of optical and sun products, to be launched in the Fall 2017, including men’s and women’s collections for Sandro and a women’s line for Maje, and, in line with SMCP’s approach, the collections will be positioned in the “accessible luxury” segment of the market.

Jardine said, "Sandro and Maje are the perfect brands for us. They have incredible power and respect in the French market, they are two of the world's fastest growing apparel brands globally, and they define the affordable luxury space that is our home. We are truly proud to be partners with the amazing teams at SMCP."

SMCP CEO Daniel Lalonde stated, “We are happy to partner with Mondottica for the launch of eyewear, an exciting step for our brands in our ambition to become global leader in accessible luxury. It is a natural extension of our brands offering, following their success in apparel and accessories. We believe that Mondottica, a true citizen of the world like SMCP, is the right partner for us.”

Further, Mondottica recently announced a new license with Ducati, the Italian premium motorcycle brand. Spanning optical frames and sunglasses, the license runs through the end of 2022, and includes three collections including Ducati, Ducati Corse and Ducati Scrambler.

Founded in Bologna in 1926, Ducati represents a unique balance of tradition and innovation, perfectly harmonizing an unparalleled motorsport pedigree and world-class technological innovation, with Italian artisanal craftsmanship and design.

Said Mondottica’s Jardine, "No motorcycle brand has the inspired history of racing and performance that Ducati has, and we are excited to be associated with them. We will use the brand to redefine men's eyewear for years to come."

"We are very pleased with the partnership with Mondottica International, as it allows us to develop a dedicated line of glasses that boasts unmistakable Ducati style," commented Alessandro Cicognani, Ducati licensing and partnership director.

Mondottica Group now has offices and operations in Hong Kong, London, Paris, New York and Sydney with distribution reach that spans all continents. It holds licenses for a range of lifestyle and fashion brands including Anna Sui, Cath Kidston, Christian Lacroix, Ducati, Hackett, Joules, Le Coq Sportif, Karen Millen, Maje, Marimekko, Pepe Jeans, Sandro, Ted Baker (worldwide except USA and Canada) and Zoobug.