Italy's Luxottica buys sun lens maker Barberini for 140 million euros

MILAN (Reuters) - Ray-Ban owner Luxottica <LUX.MI> said on Friday it had bought the world's top manufacturer of optical glass sun lenses Barberini in a 140 million euro (£123 million) deal.

"The transaction allows the group to strengthen its know-how in glass sun and prescription lenses, which is considered the most valuable among optical materials," Luxottica said in a statement.

Milan-based Luxottica, the world's biggest eyewear group, is expected to close soon its merger with French lens manufacturer Essilor <ESSI.PA> agreed at the start of last year.

(Reporting by Valentina Za; Editing by Mark Potter)