LONGARONE, Italy—Marcolin Group and Diesel Group have announced they have reached a preliminary agreement for a future five-year licensing contract for the production and worldwide distribution of Diesel sunglasses and ophthalmic frames.

Marcolin and Diesel Group said they will continue contract negotiations and the agreement is expected to be finalized by Oct. 31, 2010.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to grab new challenges and have the chance to make use of our design’s expertise with Diesel, a brand leader in a segment where dynamism, innovation and continuity are key successful elements,” said Maurizio Marcolin, style and licensing officer for Marcolin Group.

Renzo Rosso, president of Diesel Group, added, “I have already been working with Marcolin for DSquared2 and I am personally impressed by their capability to understand the universe of a brand and turn it into top quality, high design content products. Diesel is one of the few true lifestyle brands in the world and with our passion, energy and innovation capability we can build together a successful positioning, providing the brand the value and role it deserves.”

As VMail reported on July 22, Safilo Group, which has held the Diesel license for the production and distribution of Diesel sunglasses and prescription eyewear collections since 1994, will end their agreement with the Diesel Group on Dec. 31, 2010.

“We would like to express our appreciation and respect for the work carried out over the last 16 years with Diesel Group,” said Roberto Vedovotto, CEO of Safilo. “At the same time, we regret that we could not reach a shared vision on Diesel’s future strategic development in the eyewear sector and in line with Safilo Group’s economic and financial targets for the renewal of its license portfolio.”

Renzo Rosso, chairman of Diesel Group, added: “We would like to thank Safilo for its valuable contribution during many years of successful collaboration in which we faced challenges and achieved important results. Diesel, though loyal to its DNA, is today an international group with ambitious worldwide development plans in all its product categories, including the eyewear business, where it will continue to work with commitment and the spirit of innovation.” ■ ■