Luxottica, Essilor merger gets FTC approval, companies say

The proposed merger of optical manufacturers Essilor and Luxottica has been approved by the Federal Trade Commission without conditions, the companies said Thursday.

Luxottica, with its headquarters in Milan, Italy, has its U.S. base in Port Washington, where about 180 people work.

The U.S. antitrust approval of the Essilor-Luxottica deal follows approvals by the European Union, Canada, Australia, India, Japan and nine other countries.

The $49 billion transaction is expected to close by June 30.

Luxottica manufactures Ray-Ban and Oakley glasses, and operates the LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut and Pearle Vision retailing chains. Essilor, which is based in France, makes lenses.

By James T. Madore

james.madore@newsday.comJamesTMadore

James T. Madore writes about Long Island business news including the economy, development, and the relationship between government and business. He previously served as Albany bureau chief.