1847
Start of the forward-thinking Essel company with a share ownership management structure: corporate culture gains its first foothold.
1972
Merger of Essel and Silor, which becomes the Essilor Group. Development of employee share ownership with the creation of a non-trading company as the group comes into being. This is the Société Civile Valoptec which then brings together all in-house shareholders with responsibilities and powers.
1998
Launch of employee share ownership and Valoptec on an international scale. Its objective is to reduce a tax system which has become unfair and damaging. The Société Civile funds are now transferred to the FCPE Valoptec International.
2000
2000 Change from a Société Civile status to the Valoptec Association.