Quercus Corporate Finance is delighted to announce the sale of specialist eyewear group Fabris Lane to one of the world’s leading ophthalmic optics companies, Essilor International.

The Quercus team, led by Andrew Clegg and Nick Standen, advised the shareholders of Chessington-based Three Hundred Ltd (trading as “Fabris Lane”) on the sale of the company to FGX International, a leading eyewear designer and marketer and wholly owned subsidiary of French eyewear group, Essilor International.  The transaction includes Fabris Lane’s recent acquisition of fast growing on-line eyewear retailer, Red Hot Sunglasses.

Financial details have not been disclosed.

Fabris Lane, a business with a 33-year history, is a specialist eyewear company engaged in the sale of sunglasses. It sells to a wide range of retailers and opticians groups in 20 countries worldwide. Fabris Lane holds licenses for highly recognized brands including Karen Millen®, Lipsy®, Animal®, French Connection® and Oliver Goldsmith® and owns a portfolio of established brands including Monkey Monkey®, M:UK®, Freedom Polarised® and Suuna®. Fabris Lane also provides its customers with own label solutions using its in-house design capabilities and established supply chain and testing facilities.

Andrew Clegg, Quercus Partner said:

“My relationship with Fabris Lane stretches back many years and we are delighted to have been the lead adviser on this transaction; it represents another great example of our proven ability to match the needs of UK owner managers with an overseas buyer”.

Rod Lane, Fabris Lane owner, added:

“I am delighted that Fabris Lane is combining with an organization with the depth of resources and reach of FGX, which will help meet the needs of sunglass consumers. This is great news for Fabris Lane's customers, suppliers and employees.  I am also delighted that we benefited from the wise counsel and experience of Quercus Corporate Finance.  Andy and Nick’s transaction insights coupled with their total focus on achieving an excellent financial result and a smooth process meant all the difference and the shareholders are thrilled with the outcome”.