Luxottica acquired Oakley a few years later, adding it to Ray-Ban, which Luxottica obtained in 1999. "That's how they gained control of so many brands," Dahan said.

Who is Oakley owned by?

Luxottica Group of Italy, owner of Foothill Ranch-based Oakley and Ray Ban brands, said Monday it would merge with Essilor of France in a $49 billion deal that would create a giant in the eyewear industry.

What happened to Oakley sunglasses?

Luxottica caused Oakley's stock to plummet simply by carrying fewer of their sunglasses through Sunglass Hut, eventually leaving Oakley with no choice but to merge with Luxottica in 2007.