MARCOLIN INKS JOINT VENTURE IN MIDDLE EAST

Leading eyewear company Marcolin Group has signed a joint venture agreement with Rivoli Group, one of the largest luxury retailers in the Middle East area.

Under the joint venture, Marcolin Group will own 51 percent of the newly formed company, named Marcolin Middle East. Based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Marcolin Middle East will distribute the eyewear collection under the company’s brand portfolio: Tom Ford, Balenciaga, Ermenegildo Zegna, Montblanc, Roberto Cavalli, Tod’s, Emilio Pucci, Swarovski, Dsquared2, Diesel, Just Cavalli, Kenneth Cole, Timberland, Guess, Gant, Harley-Davidson, Marciano, Skechers and Web.

Giovanni Zoppas, CEO of Marcolin Group, commented: “The valuable long-term distribution agreement with Rivoli Group and the strong personal relationship and collaboration developed during these years with Mr. Ramesh Prabhakar, our partner in the joint venture, have been further strengthened establishing this capital partnership in Middle East, which represents such a key market for the luxury, fashion and diffusion brands in our portfolio and for the future of our company.”

“The Rivoli Group is extremely pleased with the development of the joint venture with Marcolin Group to service the Middle East and other specific markets,” added Ramesh Prabhakar, vice chairman and managing partner of Rivoli Group. “Our relationship with the Marcolin management signifies this new association and we are looking forward to further enhancing Marcolin brands presence in the markets. Our Milestones will be reached through planned distribution and innovative retailing within the Rivoli EyeZone stores.”