MILAN — Akoni Group is marking a new chapter in its history with a new name, Akn Group, and its first acquisition.
Under the Alsara Investment Group umbrella and established in 2019, Akn has acquired the Switzerland-based independent eyewear brand Götti, which was founded in 1998. Included in the acquisition is premium lens company Eyetech.
“In a short time, Akn has established itself as a key player in eyewear, and now it’s time to grow through acquisitions,” said the group’s founder and chief executive officer Rosario Toscano. In addition to Akoni Eyewear, the group also produces eyewear for Valentino and Balmain.
“With its history of more than 25 years, its heritage, relevance, craftsmanship, design, innovation and quality, Götti was missing from our portfolio. And it’s perhaps the only eyewear company founded by an optometrist, with an extraordinary team of 11 opticians,” said Toscano.
Founder Sven Götti and his C-suite level management will stay on, underscored Toscano, praising their “fundamental know-how” which will help the group grow.
“Swiss. Precision. Performance — these pillars define us and the acquisition will help enhance our distribution channels and create a high performance powerhouse focused on quality at every level,” said Toscano, adding that the acquisition will help build “the largest high-end eyewear hub in Switzerland.”
Götti, he continued, is a “solid and self-sufficient” company that under Akn will grow further. “The year 2025 is one of learning, 2026 one of synergies and 2027 one of integration,” he mused.
Toscano touted Götti’s 3D printing expertise and technological advancements that allow for superior customization.
He underscored that it is key to preserve the integrity and identities of the Akoni and Götti brands.
Toscano said the decision to change the group’s moniker to Akn is meant “to avoid any confusion with the eyewear brand, but the roots of the name remain, it is not overturned and there is continuity with the past.”
While declining to provide financial details about the privately owned group, Toscano said revenues in 2024 rose 30 percent on the previous year.
Rosario Toscano and Sven Götti
Asked about additional and potential licenses, the executive said he would rather grow through acquisitions, “barring the arrival of exclusive brands aligned with our values.”
After the major shake-up that took place in the eyewear industry with the merger of Essilor and Luxottica, and the arrival on the scene of Kering Eyewear and Thélios, Toscano expects the next big change to be “when the direct-to-consumer channel will sell ophthalmic eyewear. There is a serious delay in the offer of medical devices online.”
As far as the impact of AI on eyewear, “it won’t be easy or fast if you think of the sheer number of the population. Changes will be more in the lenses rather than in the frames.”
Alsara Investment Group is an international private investment company based in Switzerland. In addition to a portfolio of owned and operated investments in luxury brands, it provides investment advisory and management, and invests in venture capital, private equity and growth funds. In 2021 it bought a majority stake in Khrisjoy. The group’s portfolio also includes investor Bidayat; design venture Fromm; jewelry brand Azza Fahmy, and Egypt-based handbag label Okhtein. Last year it launched a new luxury brand called Retori and it is also gearing up to revive the Walter Albini brand.
