Nuts and Bolts of the purchase, published 9/7

http://ccbn.10kwizard.com/xml/download.php?repo=tenk&ipage=5159903&format=PDF

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Scott Bowers (VP of Marketing Worldwide) sold TODAY $157,000 worth of stock @ $28.93 which is a little wierd since the merger/puchase is at $29.30. I guess read between the lines......

http://ccbn.10kwizard.com/xml/download.php?repo=tenk&ipage=5170309&format=PDF

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Luxottica was granted early termination of the anti-trust waiting period on August 24, 2007 (basically got the go ahead from the govt to buy)

http://www.rttnews.com/sp/breakingnews.asp?date=08/24/2007&item=71

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http://www.wireimage.com/SearchResults.aspx?igi=288979&s=oakley&sfld=C&vwmd=e


Here are some pictures from the Oakley Pre-VMA Party At Body English.

http://sunglass-superstore.com/blog/

Supermodel Elle Macpherson was caught out this week wearing the Oakley “Spike” sunglass.

http://sunglass-superstore.com/blog/

Supermodel Elle Macpherson was caught out this week wearing the Oakley “Spike” sunglass.

http://sunglass-superstore.com/blog/?p=414

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So now they want to make some Wires and acetates in China now?

What they admitted to was that 100% of O's lens are made "in house" BUT 30% of O's all frames are now manufactured in China via a third party. Nearly all the metals, and most of the womens line and some Block frames like Montefrio were stated to be made in China.

Lux has major manufacturing plants in China which can result in additional cost savings by manufacturing the frames "In House""In China".

To be honest, Lux's Chinese frames have recently had excellent quality, and less defects than their Italian plants I have heard. O's Chinese frames have also been well made.

I hope to god Fuxottica just opens their checkbook & lets Oakley do their thing.

There is not 1 brand, or retail chain they have ever bought that they haven't turned upside down, for better or ... The only thing that is certain is change.

Sorry to break the news guys. I thought you guys should be one of the first to know.

Reps are usually the last to hear about significant inside changes, you probably knew before any reps did.

This is devastating news in my opinion. I'm in shock as well for so many manufacturing, distrubution and control issues, as much as for the obvious reasons.

Rumors hitting the financial markets!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19181717/

The parent of LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut might be interested in buying one of the nation's best-known brands in athletic eyeglasses and apparel, Oakley Inc., as it pursues ambitions to expand its retail operations.

The Italian newspaper la Repubblica reported that Luxottica Group SpA, based in Milan, is interested in Oakley. The paper did not say where it got the information, but some say Oakley would be a desirable takeover target - if it is willing to sell. The $762 million company, headquartered in Southern California, has distinguished itself with its high-performance, and often high-priced, technology and fashion. Oakley's brands include Dragon, Eye Safety Systems, Fox Racing, Mosley Tribes and Paul Smith Spectacles, and it operates retail chains Bright Eyes, Oakley Stores and Sunglass Icon.

"Oakley has a premier brand name," said Rommel Dionisio, an analyst who covers Oakley for Wedbush Morgan Securities in Los Angeles. "This is a premier lifestyle brand that has a somewhat focused demographic."

$300. Ouch.

Actually, MJ has had their flexon/memory metal frames at $300 for years, and REVO has the same price point since November 06 for memory frame with polarized lens. $300 is actually the price they should be.

O updated the site with pictures from Vision Expo East (New York)

http://oakley.com/community/news/article/id/361

The interesting thing is the picture below that was included. New frameless model? hmmmmmm

I think the official launch date for flack jacket and radar is the 15th, a few OPD got their orders early and put them out before they were supposed to. I would look for the new o.com to hit around the 15th.

Offical Launch Date was (and has always been) March 1st.

A bunch of new pictures at the Amgen Tour of California

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2007/feb07/california07/index.php?id=/photos/2007/feb07/california07/california070/gallery-california070

Anyone in here an accountant? I'd like to look at their annual report in detail and work out some ratios to see where they stand.

Here is the 8K in all its glory.
http://ccbn.10kwizard.com/xml/download.php?repo=tenk&ipage=4651035&format=PDF


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Where do I find a schedule of their stops? I couldn't find it on their website.

I think its so new that they dont have a set schedule yet beyond the PGA event in Phoenix. Look for updates soon.

Oakley Deploys Rolling O Lab to Take High Definition Optics to the Masses

http://biz.yahoo.com/pz/070130/112776.html

Sweet.

I also broke a pair of the Dark Grey ones last week changing lens. Mind you, I have changed out 100's of half jacket lens and this was the only one that has ever broke. And I had to really tweek some. This one just snapped.

My guess is there was a batch of these that have a problem.

DEFINATELY a warranty issue that O will take care of. :)

The picture color is screwy, but it is Dark Grey and near the same place yours broke.

FYI - Just got notice from Oakley that they are ready to ship the super exclusive GasCan Polished Black with Fire lens now to OPD A+ accounts. Only 700 will be made and then never again (says Oakley).

Part Number is 12-732

Some more pics comparing the Monster Dog & Pup.

The Pups are Here! I'll try and get some better pictures up....These are just ok. :)

The Pups are Here! I'll try and get some better pictures up....These are just ok. :)

Not to be a downer but is it ok to be showing that pic?

I am assuming since there were a few people wearing the model in the posted triathalon and there are some samples floating around socal now. They are scheduled in to be in stores by Nov. 17th.

If Dan is uncomfortable, then he should pull it and post it later when he deems appropraite. If it wasn't for the Kona Tri I would'nt have posted it anyway.

Threse have way better sweat/water resistence (designed that way)

There is unob on the inside of the temples and nose area.

256 - $249,
512 - $299,
1g - $359
512 trans - $379

It has memory on board like other Thumps. More sport specific in function. There will be a transitions model as well. 256, 512 & 1 gig models.

Here is a better picture of the Pro:

*edit picture removed