The case study exposes the different facets of the merger between Essilor and Luxottica. Essilor's main activity is the manufacture of spectacle lenses. That of Luxottica is the manufacture of frames and sunglasses. Both companies are world leaders in their fields. Both are European companies: Essilor is French and Luxottica is Italian.

The case provides a lot of information allowing a good understanding of the main industries concerned: competitive arena, structural conditions, development trends and competitors. The two companies are then presented: history, activities, value chains, governance and performance. This presentation is followed by that of the merger itself. The merger process and its implementation are presented from the beginning of 2017 to the end of the first half of 2021. The announced economic benefits of the merger are listed, as well as the financial data for the merged company. Finally, the takeover of GrandVision, a Dutch distribution company, by the new group "EssilorLuxottica" is analysed.

Several appendices allowing a better understanding of the sector, the companies and the merger are provided.