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Maui Jim purchased by French luxury group

Anthony Martial models Maui Jim eyewear
(Photo: Business Wire)
Anthony Martial models Maui Jim eyewear

High-end eyewear manufacturer Maui Jim will be sold to the owner of the Gucci fashion brand.

Founded in 1987 in Peoria, Maui Jim is the world's largest independently-owned eyewear brand.

Kering, a French luxury consortium, announced Monday it expects the acquisition deal to clear by the second half of this year.

Maui Jim is headquartered in Peoria, but maintains offices in Hawaii, Canada, and Germany.

The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council's website reports 500 employees at Maui Jim.

Additional information on the deal wasn't immediately available.

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Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.