2017
In October, the Company acquires IRIS, le groupe visuel, a national optometrically driven chain and banner, with a network of 147 locations across Canada (50 corporate, 77 jointly owned and 20 franchised) for a price of $120,000,000.
In connection therewith, the Company raises $50,000,000 of new equity capital by private placement.
This confirms the Company's position as the largest optical company in Canada with four significant banners, New Look Eyewear, Vogue Optical, Greiche & Scaff and IRIS and estimated annual sales of $265,000,000 (owned) and $315,000,000 (total network) respectively.
2016
In February, the Company acquires the Forward Vision Group for $13,000,000 with 15 locations in southwestern Ontario and in December, acquires Visions Optical with 10 locations in British Columbia for $6,600,000, further unfolding its national strategy and making it the largest retail optical chain in Canada.
2015
In May 2015, the name of the public company was changed to New Look Vision Group and the Company evolved to a holdco management structure.
2014
In October 2014, the Company acquires Greiche & Scaff, a 49 locations retail optical chain operating principally in the greater Montreal area for $17,750,000.
In connection therewith, the Company raises an additional $10,000,000 of new equity capital in the public market.
At year-end 2014, revenues exceeded $140 million and the Company had 193 locations operating principally under its three banners: New Look Eyewear, Greiche & Scaff and Vogue Optical.
2013
In December, the Company acquires Vogue Optical, the leading retail optical chain and banner in the Maritimes, with 67 locations principally in the Atlantic provinces for $74,000,000.
In connection therewith, the Company raises $25,000 of new equity capital in the public market.
2011
Revenues exceed $80 million and the store network reaches 68 locations in Quebec and the Ottawa region, all under the New Look Eyewear banner.
2010
The business is converted back into a corporate structure listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and commences a quarterly dividend policy.
2007
The Company successfully introduces its Evolution HDTM and Ultra EvolutionTMdigital, “free form”, lens technology to the marketplace.
2006
The Company introduces “Hydro Satin” lens coating technology.
Revenues reache $50 million and the store network increases to 52 locations.
2005
Benvest Capital Inc. is converted into a public income trust, the Benvest New Look Income Fund which commences declaring distributions to its shareholders.
2003
New Look Eyewear effectively becomes a public company with the consolidation of its results by Benvest Capital Inc.
2002
Opening of a major new lens processing laboratory and distribution centre in Montreal.
Opening of a prototype mega store in Laval, Quebec.
2001
Benvest Capital Inc., a merchant bank, acquired ownership and control in May 2001 of Lunetterie New Look. At that time, the Company has revenues of $34 million and 30 stores principally in Qubec.
Under Benvest Capital Inc. direction, New Look Eyewear commences a program of rebuilding and expanding the store network.
When DIAGNOS makes a deal with New Group who has stores across the country we are on our way.