
India's Lenskart acquires 80 percent stake in Spanish brand Meller for over 40 million euros
The acquisition was announced in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. According to The Times of India, the transaction involves payments of 406 million rupees (4.5 million euros), distributed between Meller's investors and its three founders—Sergi Benet, Borja Nadal, and Marco Grandi.
Meller, founded in 2014, has built a successful digital-first model, with 96 percent of its sales occurring online. The brand has cultivated a strong following among younger consumers, amassing over 650,000 followers on Instagram and generating more than 25 million daily impressions. In 2024, Meller reported revenues of 28.3 million euros and an EBITDA of 5.8 million euros. Notably, Meller's production is already based in India, creating a strong operational synergy with its new parent company.
Founded in 2010, Lenskart has become a global leader in the optical sector. With more than 2,500 physical stores and an annual distribution of over 30 million pairs of glasses, the company has developed a scalable omnichannel model that combines contemporary design with competitive pricing and in-house production. This acquisition was facilitated through Lenskart's Singapore subsidiary and is part of a broader expansion plan outside of Asia, supported by major investors like Softbank and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
The move comes as Lenskart prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO), with a valuation that could reportedly exceed 5 billion dollars.
In summary Barcelona-based company Meller, specialising in sunglasses, has been 80 percent acquired by the Indian group Lenskart for over 40 million euros.
Meller, founded in 2014, stands out for its 100 percent digital model, online sales and a strong international presence, generating revenues of 28.3 million euros in 2024.
Lenskart, an Indian optical giant with global ambitions, seeks to expand outside of Asia with this acquisition, backed by investors and preparing for a potential IPO. This article was translated to English using an AI tool.
FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@fashionunited.com
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business News Wales
2 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Welsh AI Firm Launches Platform to Cut Waste and Boost UK Steel Industry
A Cardiff firm has launched an AI-powered platform designed to help steel manufacturers to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and improve production efficiency. from Nightingale HQ (NHQ), is purpose-built for the reinforcement steel industry and has already worked with manufacturers such as Midland Steel to use digital tools to address practical, day-to-day challenges such as automating data extraction, optimising reinforcing bar (rebar) production planning, and monitoring environmental impact. The firm said the launch comes at a critical time for the industry, aligning with the UK Government's newly announced £725 billion infrastructure investment strategy. The strategy, which emphasises large-scale public infrastructure development, is underpinned by digital innovation and a strong commitment to achieving net zero. In line with the UK strategy, the Wales-made platform can impact the wider UK market by finding waste-cutting opportunities beyond the ability of human effort, helping manufacturers increase revenue and save tonnes of steel from scrap, the firm said. Steph Locke, Head of Product for NHQ, said the new platform would bridge the gap in the sector, helping manufacturers leverage AI to increase competitiveness. Steph said: 'For us as a Wales-based tech scale-up, we're excited about the opportunity to support local steelmakers during this transformative time. Investment in Tata Steel's transition to electric arc furnace technology at Port Talbot represents a major turning point for the sector and opens up long-term opportunities to apply new technologies to old challenges. 'Looking wider, under the UK's new Infrastructure Strategy, steelmakers will face increased pressure to be more efficient and sustainable, yet the majority lack the digital tools required to meet these expectations. Major projects such as the Sizewell C nuclear power stations and offshore wind expansion will require millions of tonnes of rebar so efficiency isn't just environmentally responsible, it's economically essential. 'That's why we feel now is the perfect time to officially launch which can deliver powerful, no-code AI directly to production teams without expensive software or technical expertise. We're already working with some of the biggest manufacturers in Europe, and our ambition is to have a wide-reaching impact on the UK steel industry.' Globally, the rebar market is set to reach £325 billion by 2031, driven by infrastructure growth and government investment. At the same time, ongoing UK/US tariff uncertainty highlights the importance of innovation and cost-efficiency for maintaining competitiveness.


Business News Wales
2 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Apprenticeship Pathway 'Should Be Promoted as a Respected and Quality Option'
Schools, colleges, employers and the Welsh Government must work together to present apprenticeships as a strong start to a career, the Senedd's Economy Committee has concluded. The Committee heard evidence from apprentices and apprenticeship providers and has laid out recommendations for the Welsh Government to help people make better choices about their education and training in its latest report, Apprenticeship Pathways. The Committee believes that if the Welsh Government increases awareness and take-up of apprenticeships this will allow people to improve their skills and earning potential, building a more productive workforce and boosting the economy. Matt, who did an apprenticeship at Gower College, gave evidence to the Committee and said: 'The biggest issue is awareness. I had no idea apprenticeships existed, what they led to, or that they were equivalent to GCSEs. When I was unemployed, no one at the job centre mentioned them—and I never saw a poster or heard about them from employers either. 'I'm now a senior healthcare assistant, and I had to either have a Level 3 qualification or be willing to study for one. While senior management supported this, many line managers don't understand how apprenticeships work or how to support staff properly. 'These qualifications are ideal for people like me who left school with nothing. Through my apprenticeship with Gower College and support from Swansea Bay University Health Board, I gained GCSEs in Maths and English, new skills for my job, and I'm now studying for a nursing degree. It's taken me from no qualifications to university.' The Committee heard that many learners are not aware of alternative routes into employment and pursue further academic study even though they could be much happier, more successful and more suited to the vocational one. The Committee has laid out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government on apprenticeship pathways, with calls for: Better engagement and promotion of apprenticeships as a viable education pathway for students The Welsh Government should work with schools, colleges and employers to present vocational courses as a good quality option Faster progress in developing a vocational education and training strategy Barriers to recruiting and retaining skilled assessors and apprenticeship trainers to be addressed Increases to pay for apprenticeships to be explored as part of the fair work agenda. Andrew RT Davies MS, Chair of the Senedd's Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, said: 'For many people, apprenticeships can be an excellent choice. They combine learning earning, working and training. The apprentices who gave evidence were enjoying their courses and they are thriving as a result. 'However, we heard about many challenges facing people who want to do an apprenticeship, not least understanding and navigating the system itself. For young people, the academic route is clear, and schools work hard to signpost and encourage their learners to do A-levels and degrees, the same cannot be said for apprenticeships. 'We're calling on the Welsh Government to work with schools, colleges and employers to make sure that the apprenticeship pathway is promoted to everyone as a respected and quality option. 'There are huge benefits to apprentices, employers and the economy if we get this right in Wales.'


Time Out Dubai
6 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Etihad Airways expands network to 300+ global destinations
Whether you're planning a quick getaway or long-haul adventure, flying in and out of the UAE just got even easier. Etihad Airways has revealed that it is expanding its global reach through a wave of new airline partnerships, which will allow travellers to reach more than 300 destinations globally. The Abu Dhabi-based airline now has more than 40 codeshare partners in its network, which allows it to make flights on other airlines available via their own channels, giving travellers more options when booking their next dream holiday. The national carrier links travellers to more than 100 destinations on its own network and over 300 worldwide when you factor in its codeshare partners. This puts the UAE capital firmly on the map as one of the most accessible cities on the planet. Among its most recent tie-ups? Ethiopian Airlines, Azul Brazliian Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air Europa, and Akasa Air, which serve Ethiopia, Brazil, China, Spain and India, respectively. These agreements join an already impressive line-up that includes Air Seychelles, Portugal's TAP and Greek carrier Sky Express. Credit: Etihad Airways Together, these collabs give Abu Dhabi stronger links to Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond – and open the city up to even more inbound visitors. Etihad's loyalty programme also happens to be one of the largest of any non-alliance airline, with 25 partner carriers allowing frequent flyers to earn and spend rewards across hundreds of global routes. More global carriers are expected to tap into the capital's potential in the months ahead, so stay tuned. Arik De, chief revenue and commercial officer at Etihad Airways, said: 'Every partnership we build strengthens the connectivity, choice and experience for our guests, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a key world destination. 'Through our strategic partnerships, we have brought major international airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air Seychelles, Air Europa and Akasa Air to Abu Dhabi. 'These partnerships are not only expanding access to critical markets such as China, North America, Africa and Europe, they are also contributing directly to the growth of Abu Dhabi's tourism, affirming the city's role as a hub for innovation, tourism and global business.' Making summer plans? Too hot? 70 cool indoor activities in Dubai to tick off this summer Consider this your ultimate summer bucket list 7 picture-perfect breakfast spots in Dubai worth waking up early for Elevate the start of your day The best (and most luxe) night swim spots in Dubai to try this summer Including free entry to a top hotel pool