Who owns Oakley brand? This question often arises among fashion enthusiasts and sports enthusiasts alike. Oakley, a renowned brand in the eyewear industry, has a fascinating history and a unique ownership story that has captivated many. Let’s delve into the details and uncover the mystery behind the ownership of Oakley brand.
Oakley, founded in 1983 by Jim Jannard, has become synonymous with high-quality sports eyewear and sunglasses. The brand’s innovative designs and cutting-edge technology have made it a favorite among athletes, celebrities, and fashion-forward individuals worldwide. However, the ownership of Oakley has changed hands several times over the years, leading to an intriguing tale of corporate mergers and acquisitions.
After its inception, Oakley was initially owned by Jim Jannard himself. However, in 1987, he sold a majority stake to Luxottica Group, an Italian eyewear conglomerate. This partnership allowed Oakley to expand its global presence and tap into Luxottica’s extensive distribution network. Despite the change in ownership, Jim Jannard remained as the creative force behind the brand, designing and developing new products that would define Oakley’s identity.
Fast forward to 2007, when Luxottica Group acquired the remaining shares of Oakley, making it a fully-owned subsidiary. This acquisition further solidified Oakley’s position as a leading brand within the Luxottica Group, which already owned other prestigious eyewear brands such as Ray-Ban, Persol, and Oakley’s main competitor, Nike’s NikeLab.
However, the story of Oakley’s ownership took another twist in 2015 when Luxottica Group merged with Essilor, a French eyewear company. This merger created the world’s largest eyewear company, EssilorLuxottica, with a combined market capitalization of over $50 billion. Despite the merger, Oakley maintained its distinct identity and continued to operate as a separate brand within the new company.
Today, Oakley remains a standalone brand within the EssilorLuxottica group, with its ownership resting with the French-Italian conglomerate. While the brand has changed hands multiple times, Oakley’s core values of innovation, quality, and performance have remained unchanged. The brand’s legacy of pushing boundaries and creating groundbreaking products has made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
In conclusion, Oakley brand is owned by EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the eyewear industry. Despite the changes in ownership, Oakley has continued to thrive as a brand that represents innovation, quality, and style. The unique journey of Oakley’s ownership serves as a testament to the brand’s resilience and enduring appeal in the world of fashion and sports eyewear.
