Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio calls for a change in strategy for Essilorluxottica and supports publishing as a fundamental infrastructure

For Delfin, the Luxembourg holding of the Del Vecchio family, "I believe it is a new moment, in which we need to dialogue between the shareholders and bring the board back to its natural role, which is to implement the strategies of the majority of the shareholders". Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio told ANSA on the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio.

"I believe that all Delfin shareholders will think to identify the best economic offer and the best prospect for the future. Without neglecting the necessary attention to the Italian national system" added Del Vecchio, speaking on the banking risk and answering a question on the position of Delfin, which will have to decide whether to join Intesa Sanpaolo's takeover bid or support MPS's double operation on Banco Bpm and Banca Generali. "Delfin doesn't just look at the banks - he adds - for the shareholders the most important thing remains to return to having an increasingly stronger Essilorluxottica".

When asked about the future of the president of Delfin and Essilorluxottica Francesco Milleri, Leonardo Maria del Vecchio replied: "The majority of Delfin's shareholders will decide in due time, evaluating as always the results obtained by the managers".

Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio hopes for "a change in strategy and a new phase" for Essilux, underlining that "a dualism has been created between me and Francesco Milleri, when instead Essilux must return to the centre, which is the legacy, the true investment of Delfin, the true legacy of our father, who lost 50% on the stock market". "The most important thing - he explains - is to preserve and bring another 10 years of success to Essilor Luxottica". "Whether it's me and Francesco Milleri or dude and Caio is not important - he points out - what's important are the 250 thousand people who work there". "I hope for a change in strategy and a new phase - he clarifies - which is shared with the shareholders, who are not just the 8 of us (Leonardo del Vecchio's heirs, ed.)".

"Publishing is a fundamental infrastructure for the country's freedom. I have decided to invest part of my assets in this sector to support the country" said Del Vecchio. The objective - added Del Vecchio - is to invest in technology and people. Because the two things can coexist together. For this reason - he explains - The first action after the acquisition was to remove layoffs and public subsidies, to give a signal of reversal.