EssilorLuxottica Invests in Thai Giant Top Charoen and Its 2,000 Stores
EssilorLuxottica has finalized the acquisition of a significant share in Top Charoen, Thailand's largest optical distributor. This transaction strengthens the long-term partnership between the two groups and marks a strategic turning point for the French optical giant in Southeast Asia.
Strategic Entry into Top Charoen
EssilorLuxottica has entered the capital of Top Charoen, Thailand's leading optical retail chain. Top Charoen operates over 2,000 stores across Thailand and manages several commercial brands: Top Charoen, Luxoptic, Eye Class, Eye Bright, Eye Sport, Big C Optical, Robinson Optical, and Beautiful Optic. The group also runs an online sales activity through its own platform and several local marketplaces. This transaction reinforces the long-term relationship between the two companies and positions EssilorLuxottica as a major strategic partner in the region.
Historical Background of Top Charoen
Top Charoen was founded in 1947 with the opening of its first store in Saraburi and a mobile unit aimed at providing access to visual health in rural and remote areas. The group has built its expansion over the preceding decades to become the undisputed leader in Thai optical distribution. Thailand serves as a strategic hub for EssilorLuxottica's production and marketing activities, justifying this investment in Top Charoen's capital.
Partnership Goals
This partnership aims to strengthen EssilorLuxottica's commitment to advancing vision solutions in the region and globally. The group intends to get closer to consumers to anticipate their future needs, particularly in the emerging category of wearables. By uniting, the two companies aim to enhance awareness of visual health issues and develop initiatives tailored to the growing needs of the Asian population.
