PADUA, Italy—Sàfilo Group S.p.A (SFL.MI) today posted a statement on the company’s Web site stating that “measures aimed at strengthening and further developing Sàfilo Group are being examined, and that contacts with some potential partners have been made.”

The statement was issued on Only 3T S.p.A letterhead in response to reports from Italian and American media outlets claiming the eyeglass manufacturer is in talks to find possible financial partners for the company.

Only 3T S.p.A is the Tabacchi family holding company which owns about 40 percent of the Sàfilo Group.

The statement went on to further state that “the shareholders would like to clarify that the situation is still under negotiation and that no agreements have been made as yet.”

Sàfilo stock rose for the third day on the Milan exchange, rising 18 percent to 81 cents making it the second largest gainer in Italy today.