Nikon Soars 20% on Report EssilorLuxottica May Lift Stake

Nikon Corp. shares jumped as much as 20% in Tokyo trading on Wednesday, reaching the exchange’s daily limit after reports said EssilorLuxottica SA is considering increasing its stake in the Japanese camera and precision-equipment maker. The rally, which lifted the stock about 19% at the close, was driven by strong investor demand following the speculation over deeper ties with the Franco-Italian eyewear group. EssilorLuxottica already holds a minority position in Nikon’s ophthalmic-lens business, and an enlarged holding would strengthen cooperation between the two companies in the vision-care market. Neither Nikon nor EssilorLuxottica immediately commented on the potential transaction. The surge added roughly one-fifth to Nikon’s market value in a single session, underscoring market sensitivity to any strategic moves by the two optical-technology companies.