Danish company Design Eyewear Group has acquired six French eyewear brands from KNCO, strengthening its presence in France and entering the strategic kids' eyewear segment.
Design Eyewear Group takes over François Pinton and Karavan, two iconic creator brands, as well as Karavan Kids and Kaliboo, focused on children’s frames. The acquisition also includes two well-established licensed children’s brands: Jacadi and Catimini. This diverse portfolio reflects both creative identity and product variety, ranging from high-end adult frames to playful children’s collections.
KNCO has long been a major player in French eyewear, thanks to its strong position in the kids' segment and its distinctive creator brands. Its local roots and product expertise have helped build a robust distribution network and long-standing industry recognition.
This move allows Design Eyewear Group to expand its geographic footprint in Europe, deepening its presence in France—one of the most dynamic optical markets. It also marks the company’s entry into the children’s eyewear segment, a high-potential category with specific product demands.
Approximately 15 KNCO employees will join the Danish group, including four designers and product managers. Retaining this team ensures continuity in creative direction and product knowledge. It also supports a smooth integration into Design Eyewear Group’s existing commercial and customer service structures.
Following its acquisition of MENRAD in June and licensing agreements with Jaguar, JOOP!, and Morgan, this new step reinforces the group’s multi-brand strategy. It reflects a commitment to both organic and external growth, focusing on brands with strong identity and complementary market segments.
Because it marks a pivotal moment in the consolidation of the European eyewear market. It shows how French creator brands and KNCO’s kids' eyewear expertise are being integrated into a bold, growth-driven strategy by Design Eyewear Group.
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