PADUA, Italy—Following Safilo Group’s previous communication concerning the evaluation of a possible transfer of its Longarone plant to a potential third party, the company has announced the existence of “advanced negotiations” with Thélios S.p.A, part of the LVMH Group. Safilo announced that it was evaluating a potential transfer of the facility to third parties last year, and again in March 2023, as reported in VMAIL. In a statement, Safilo Group said that these negotiations “would allow it to preserve the plant’s know-how and to retain a significant number of its employees.

"Safilo informs that this important transaction is part of a wider context of ongoing negotiations, through which the company aims to limit the social impact of this intervention. Every possible transaction will be conducted with the full involvement of social parties and institutions.”

In a statement to VMAIL, Thélios said, “Thélios confirms discussions with Safilo to explore the best way to maintain and develop exceptional know-how in the region.”