Montblanc ditches Marcolin in favor of Kering Eyewear in licensing deal

Montblanc (Richemont) has entered a licensing agreement with Kering Eyewear, allowing it to develop, manufacture and distribute glasses and sunglasses carrying the Montblanc brand.

“Montblanc is excited to enter a new relationship with Kering Eyewear, a partner known globally for manufacturing some of the finest luxury eyewear”, said Montblanc’s CEO, Nicolas Baretzki, in a statement. “We are extremely proud to announce this new partnership, which further strengthens our relationship with our shareholder Richemont”, added Roberto Vedovotto, Kering Eyewear’s President and CEO.

Last year, Kering Eyewear entered a similar partnership agreement with another one of Richemont’s brands, Maison Cartier. Under the agreement, Richemont acquired a 30 percent stake in Kering Eyewear.

Montblanc’s first eyewear collection with Kering Eyewear will be unveiled to the fashion industry in September, at trade show Silmo Paris, then launched internationally in January 2019 -- when Montblanc’s current contract with Marcolin comes to an end.

Photo: Balenciaga eyewear, Balenciaga website