Luxottica, which took over Oakley last November, has decided to set up a new company in Zurich to coordinate sales of Oakley products to the sporting goods trade all over the continent, except in the UK. Sales of Oakley products to opticians will be handled by Luxottica’s own sales network.
The new Swiss-based firm will combine the sports-specific sales operations of the two existing Oakley subsidiaries in France and Germany. The French operation has been responsible for Spain and Italy as well. The German one has also been in charge of Austria, Poland and, more recently, Switzerland.
The new structure will lead to a reduction in personnel at these two companies. It is expected to lead to improved customer service. The reorganization will be accompanied by some management changes. Further details on Oakley’s integration will be disclosed by Luxottica at an investors’ day scheduled for Feb. 7 (more in EyeWear Intelligence).
