EssilorLuxottica — M&A Activity 2025

Jan 2, 2025

EssilorLuxottica strengthens its presence in the hearing space with the acquisition of an AI-driven tech startup in France

Pulse Audition features technology that can embed AI-based speech enhancement into glasses

Paris, France (2 January 2025) – EssilorLuxottica takes a leap forward in its innovation journey with the acquisition of Pulse Audition, a French startup delivering AI-based noise reduction and voice enhancement through algorithms allowing people with hearing impairment to better understand speech, even in noisy environments.

By integrating Pulse Audition's proprietary technologies, expertise in AI software development, embedded AI, and audio signal processing, as well as its top talents, EssilorLuxottica will complement proprietary hardware and software to improve the quality of its products and solutions in the long-term. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with the Group's strategy in the hearing solutions space, marking a natural evolution in the journey started in 2023 with the acquisition of Nuance Hearing.

Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica commented: "We continuously explore market opportunities in AI and big data, and this acquisition in France – one of our home countries – is a perfect fit with our long-term goals and investments in hearing solutions. It reinforces our commitment to advancing the next category of computing platforms, also in Europe. We are excited to welcome this talented team in our Group and look forward to further unlocking the enormous potential in the underserved hearing space."

Contacts Giorgio Iannella Marco Catalani

Head of Investor Relations Head of Corporate Communications E ir@essilorluxottica.com E media@essilorluxottica.com

About EssilorLuxottica EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses. With over 200,000 employees across 150 countries, 650 operations facilities and 18,000 stores, in 2023 the Company generated consolidated revenue of Euro 25.4 billion. Its mission is to help people around the world to see more and be more by addressing their evolving vision needs and personal style aspirations. EssilorLuxottica is home to the most advanced lens technologies including Varilux, Stellest and Transitions, the most iconic eyewear brands including Ray-Ban and Oakley, the most desired luxury licensed brands and world-class retailers including LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut. The Company's OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation has given access to sustainable vision care to more than 760 million people in underserved communities. The EssilorLuxottica share trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 indices. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: ESLX.PA; Bloomberg: EL:FP. www.essilorluxottica.com