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DALLAS – Essilor of America, Inc. (EOA) announced today it has acquired a majority stake in KBco. By acquiring KBco, a leader in the quality polarized lens segment, Essilor will expand its position in this rapidly growing market.

KBco is one of the largest polarized lens distributors in the United States supplying retail chains and eyecare professionals (ECPs) through an extensive distribution network of wholesale laboratories. KBco has a broad offering of innovative high quality polarized products. They focus on being closely connected to their customers and on maintaining high levels of customer service. 

“This acquisition will allow Essilor to expand our presence in the polarized segment of the industry. It will enhance our portfolio of products to support our customer base,” said John Carrier, president Essilor of America (EOA). “KBco will continue with business as usual. We will work with Kurt Hollinger, John Olsen and their management team to leverage Essilor’s strength in product research and development, distribution, marketing, and financial resources.”

Created in 1987, KBco sells throughout North America to the optical industry. Kurt Hollinger will remain President and John Olsen as COO. The rest of the KBco’s current management team will remain in place. KBco will operate as an independent subsidiary of EOA. Customers, suppliers, and other business partners will continue to interface with KBco as they do currently.

“We believe that this acquisition will greatly benefit our customers and employees alike.” stated Kurt Hollinger, President KBco. “Through this acquisition Essilor and KBco will be able to utilize the strengths of both companies to help our customers build their businesses.”

Essilor is the leading manufacturer of optical lenses in the United States and is the market leader in progressive, high-index and anti-reflective coated lenses. A pioneer in the development and production of ophthalmic lenses, Essilor employs more than 8,500 people throughout North America. Essilor manufactures optical lenses under the Varilux®, Crizal®, Thin&Lite®, DEFINITY™ and other Essilor brand names. Essilor Laboratories of America (ELOA) is the largest, and most trusted, optical lab network in the U.S. and offers a wide choice of services and lens brands, including Essilor premium lenses, to eye care professionals across the nation. Essilor of America, Inc. (Essilor) is a subsidiary of Paris-based Essilor International, S.A., the worldwide leader in ophthalmic lenses and a publicly held company traded on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (Reuters: ESSI.PA).