GrandVision acquires Zonnenbrillen.com

By

Shomara Roosblad

Published
Nov 28, 2017

Optical retailer GrandVision Benelux has announced the acquisition of Dutch sunglasses e-tailer Zonnenbrillen.com for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will be effective from 1 December and focuses on strengthening GrandVision’s online position in the Netherlands and Belgium.

GrandVision aims to strengthen its omni-channel distribution strategy and increase the online offering with the acquisition. According to GrandVision, Zonnenbrillen.com is the response to the changing demand of the online consumer, who demands product avilability 'anywhere, anytime'.

Leo van Welij, CEO at GrandVision Benelux, said: “This acquisition fits our vision. It is an important step to continue our upward trend as an omni-channel retailer and to accelerate our growth. By strengthening our online position, we will boost the entire organization and the strong brands we have [in our portfolio]. We are proud to be able to offer the consumer diverse options.”

Mischa Tan, co-founder at Zonnebrillen.com said: “We see a lot of synergy between the parties regarding the offer and the strong brands that GrandVision already has. Zonnebrillen.com is a great addition to the GrandVision portfolio. This month we won an FD Gazellen Award again- awarded to the fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands - indicating that we are on the right track. Together with GrandVision we can maximise our impact on the market in the Benelux.”

GrandVision has more than 800 Pearle, Eye Wish and GrandOptical stores in the Netherlands and Belgium. The retailer operates in more than 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia in over 6,700 stores and employs more than 31,000 people.

Zonnenbrillen.com was founded by Mischa Tan and Rogier van Willigen. The Leiden-based company offers brands such as Burberry, Gucci, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol and Michael Kors.