Lens Company Eyetech Included in Strategy to Build Swiss Eyewear Hub
Akn Group, formerly known as Akoni Group, has initiated a rebranding and expansion strategy with the acquisition of Swiss independent eyewear label Götti and its lens manufacturing partner Eyetech.
Operating under the Alsara Investment Group since its founding in 2019, Akn announced its first acquisition as part of a plan to grow through strategic purchases. The company, which already produces Akoni Eyewear along with frames for Valentino and Balmain, is aiming to strengthen its position in the high-end eyewear sector.
“In a short time, Akn has established itself as a key player in eyewear, and now it’s time to grow through acquisitions,” said Rosario Toscano, founder and CEO. Toscano cited Götti’s background as a missing link in Akn’s portfolio, highlighting its “history of more than 25 years, its heritage, relevance, craftsmanship, design, innovation and quality.”
Founded by optometrist Sven Götti in 1998, the company has a core team of 11 opticians. Toscano confirmed that Götti and his executive leadership will remain in place, noting their “fundamental know-how” as critical to Akn’s expansion.
“Swiss. Precision. Performance — these pillars define us and the acquisition will help enhance our distribution channels and create a high performance powerhouse focused on quality at every level,” Toscano said. The acquisition, he added, will support efforts to “build the largest high-end eyewear hub in Switzerland.”
He described Götti as “solid and self-sufficient,” and outlined a phased plan for integration: “The year 2025 is one of learning, 2026 one of synergies and 2027 one of integration.”
Götti’s technical strength in 3D printing and personalized design was also highlighted by Toscano, who emphasized the need to maintain the brand identities of both Akoni and Götti.
Regarding the group’s name change, Toscano stated it was “to avoid any confusion with the eyewear brand, but the roots of the name remain, it is not overturned and there is continuity with the past.”
While Akn has not released financial terms of the acquisition, Toscano reported a 30 percent increase in revenues for 2024 over the prior year. He said acquisitions, rather than additional licenses, are preferred for future growth “barring the arrival of exclusive brands aligned with our values.”
Toscano also commented on larger shifts in the eyewear sector following the Essilor-Luxottica merger and entries by Kering Eyewear and Thélios. The next major disruption, he predicts, will come when “the direct-to-consumer channel will sell ophthalmic eyewear. There is a serious delay in the offer of medical devices online.”
As for artificial intelligence, Toscano believes any impact “won’t be easy or fast if you think of the sheer number of the population. Changes will be more in the lenses rather than in the frames.”
Alsara Investment Group, based in Switzerland, manages a range of holdings in luxury goods and financial ventures. It acquired a majority stake in fashion label Khrisjoy in 2021 and has since invested in brands including Bidayat, Fromm, Azza Fahmy, and Okhtein. Last year, it introduced the luxury label Retori and is working on reviving the Walter Albini brand.