Design Eyewear Group KNCO acquisition
Design Eyewear Group expands with French brands
Design Eyewear Group expands with French brands in a move that strengthens its position in one of Europe’s key eyewear markets.
The Danish company has acquired six brands from KNCO, including François Pinton, Karavan, Karavan Kids, Kaliboo, and the licensed children’s brands Jacadi and Catimini.
This strategic acquisition extends Design Eyewear Group’s reach into a new product segment of “children’s eyewear” while reinforcing its foothold in France, a market known for its design heritage and refined eyewear culture.
Design Eyewear Group children’s eyewear
Continuity and strategic growth:
Children’s frames demand a rare combination of durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. KNCO has long been a leading force in this sector, setting standards for quality and style. By integrating Karavan Kids, Kaliboo, Jacadi, and Catimini, Design Eyewear Group takes a confident step into this growing category, with plans to introduce these collections to other international markets.
This expansion creates a more complete product offering, serving the full spectrum of eyewear users — from refined adult labels to stylish children’s frames.
“This is another important step in our journey. Following our June acquisition of MENRAD and the licensing agreements with Jaguar, JOOP!, Bogner, and Morgan, this new addition gives us an even broader foundation for growth. We are expanding not just geographically but also into new segments, such as children’s eyewear, where we see strong potential. The KNCO brands fit naturally into our portfolio, complementing our existing strengths in design, craftsmanship, and international distribution.”
Around fifteen KNCO employees will join the company, including designers, product managers, and sales representatives who bring valuable experience and strong relationships with French opticians and retailers.
Looking Ahead at the Design Eyewear Group KNCO acquisition
With this acquisition, Design Eyewear Group demonstrates its continued commitment to strategic, sustainable growth through brands that combine heritage, creativity, and market potential. The addition of these six French labels further diversifies the company’s portfolio and solidifies its reputation as a global player in independent eyewear.
The official handover of all six brands will take place on October 11, 2025.
About Design Eyewear Group
Design Eyewear Group is a Danish eyewear company that brings together a curated family of distinctive international brands united by a passion for design and craftsmanship. With a heritage that spans more than half a century, the group is known for developing and distributing high-quality eyewear that blends artistic expression with technical precision, all created to inspire opticians and their customers around the world.
The portfolio includes iconic names such as FACE A FACE, ProDesign Denmark, WOOW, Inface, Kilsgaard, Nifties, Alium, and the recently acquired Menrad labels.
Together, they cover a wide spectrum of styles—from bold and artistic to minimal and functional—appealing to a diverse range of personalities and markets.
Operating from its headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark, and supported by design studios across Europe and North America, Design Eyewear Group continues to strengthen its global presence through a network of opticians and distributors in more than 100 countries. The company works in close collaboration with its partners to ensure that every frame delivers both visual impact and exceptional wearability.
Its enduring success lies in the seamless fusion of design heritage, craftsmanship, and a forward-looking approach to modern eyewear. Guided by a clear mission, Design Eyewear Group brings design-driven eyewear to the world, shaped by creative freedom, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
Read more about their brands on TEF Magazine or visit their website.
More on their brands
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FACE A FACE // The F Collection
The Face a Face F Collection arrives as a vibrant celebration of colour, asymmetry and sculptural creativity. Every frame becomes a statement of individuality, shaped through expressive design choices that balance retro influences with futuristic attitudes. With France now officially certified as the origin of production, this collection presents a renewed vision for 2026, where artistry remains at the centre of contemporary eyewear.
Design Eyewear Group // 24 Questions with CEO Lars Flyvholm
During SILMO Paris 2025, TEF Magazine sat down for 24 questions with Lars Flyvholm, CEO of Design Eyewear Group, to explore the values behind one of Europe’s most respected houses of design brands. From his leadership philosophy and international vision to the Menrad acquisition and the future of independent eyewear, Lars shares candid insights into what drives the group — and why design integrity remains at its core.
Design Eyewear Group // Lars Flyvholm on Creative Synergy and Trade Shows
At SILMO Paris 2025, TEF Magazine sat down with Lars Flyvholm, CEO of Design Eyewear Group, for an exclusive #TEFtalk interview on design collaboration, the Menrad acquisition, and the future of optical tradeshows. This Design Eyewear Group Lars Flyvholm interview reveals how creative teamwork and strategic vision shape one of Europe’s most dynamic independent eyewear groups.
SILMO d’Or 2025 // Official Nominees Revealed
The stage is set for the SILMO d’Or 2025, as the official nominees are announced across 12 categories, from children’s eyewear to smart glasses. A celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, the winners will be revealed on September 27 at Pavillon Gabriel during SILMO Paris 2025.
