Meta, the tech giant led by Mark Zuckerberg, has acquired a minority stake in EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear manufacturer and the parent company of the iconic Ray-Ban brand.
The deal, valued at $3.5 billion for a stake of just under 3%, marks a significant escalation in the partnership between the two companies, who have already collaborated on the development of Ray-Ban smart glasses.
For Zuckerberg, this move represents a strategic step in his ambitious plan to advance artificial intelligence (AI) and build Meta’s own hardware ecosystem. Smart glasses are seen as a cornerstone of this vision, offering a potential alternative to reliance on competitors’ smartphones, such as those from Apple and Google.
By deepening ties with EssilorLuxottica, Meta gains greater influence over the design, production, and distribution of wearable technology, aligning with Zuckerberg’s goal to control the hardware platforms that deliver Meta’s services.
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The partnership builds on years of collaboration, with the two companies jointly launching Ray-Ban smart glasses equipped with cameras, speakers, and AI features.
This acquisition strengthens Meta’s position in the rapidly growing smart glasses market, positioning it to compete in a future where wearable devices could redefine how users interact with technology daily. As the industry evolves, this deal underscores Meta’s commitment to innovation and its intent to lead in the next generation of computing hardware.
