Essilor Luxottica has raised its stake in Nikon Corporation to 18.59% from 17.53% through open-market purchases, according to a large shareholding filing filed in Japan around April 5–6, 2026. This latest incremental increase continues the Franco-Italian eyewear giant’s (owner of Ray-Ban, Oakley, and other brands) steady accumulation of shares since securing regulatory approval in October 2025 to hold up to 20% of the Japanese company, making it Nikon’s largest shareholder at the time while building on their longstanding 50/50 joint venture (Nikon-Essilor Co., Ltd.) for Nikon-branded eyeglass lenses since 2000. The investment has been described as a long-term passive holding with no activist intent or plans to influence Nikon’s management or strategy.
Nikon’s stock has been up over 11% YTD:
