Sept. 7, 2023 — Thélios has announced its acquisition of Vuarnet, a luxury sunglass brand, from NEO Investment Partners.
 
The France-based brand was founded in 1957 by optician Roger Pouilloux and French ski Olympic gold medalist Jean Vuarnet. Thélios shares that it plans to restore Vuarnet by investing in its product quality, advancing innovation, and expanding its global reach.
 
In its more than 60-year history, Vuarnet has been worn by outdoor enthusiasts and celebrities, and its frames have been featured in various films including “The Swimming Pool,” “The Big Lebowski,” and “James Bond: Spectrum.” According to Thélios, it is one of the few eyewear brands that produces its own mineral lenses, and its manufacturing site has been certified by the French government as a Living Heritage Company.
 
"We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Vuarnet, becoming Thélios’ first proprietary brand," says Alessandro Zanardo, CEO of Thélios. “Vuarnet is a legendary brand with a unique history that deserves to be preserved and perpetuated. Its iconic design, its unique know-how on mineral lenses, and its strong brand values are a perfect match with our ethos and positioning.”