The global eyewear giant is moving deeper into the ophthalmic diagnostic and device market.
A year full of major acquisitions in the ophthalmic space is continuing its feverish pace, with EssilorLuxottica SA (Paris, France) announcing its recent purchase of a majority share in Heidelberg Engineering GmbH (Heidelberg, Germany).
EssilorLuxottica SA, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, optical equipment, and eyewear, has agreed to acquire a commanding 80% stake in Heidelberg Engineering, a family-owned company known for its advanced diagnostic imaging solutions for eye care professionals. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2024.
The transaction aims to create growth opportunities for Heidelberg Engineering and underscores EssilorLuxottica’s dedication to elevate industry standards and improve patients’ quality of care.
“Heidelberg Engineering, renowned for its expertise in early detection and diagnosis, is a perfect fit for EssilorLuxottica as it will bolster our presence in the med-tech space. Heidelberg Engineering, with its commitment to research and development, rooted in excellence, shares our core values,” said Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica SA, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica SA, in a joint statement.
“By harnessing the full spectrum of our Group’s capabilities in the optical industry, from logistics to manufacturing to global distribution, we are dedicated to fostering their long-term growth while enhancing the doctor and patient experience.”
Heidelberg Engineering, with a presence in over 100 countries, is renowned for its pioneering imaging solutions, especially its SPECTRALIS and ANTERION optical coherence tomography (OCT) platforms. In three decades, the company has established itself as a leader in ophthalmic diagnostics, offering tools to medical professionals, scientists, and researchers for the improved detection and management of sight-threatening eye conditions.
“Innovation and quality have been key drivers for Heidelberg Engineering ever since Gerhard Zinser and I founded the company 35 years ago,” said Christoph Schoess, co-founder and Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering, in a news release.
“Our future goals include enhancing image quality through higher resolution, expanding the applications of imaging technology, and integrating AI solutions into the growing HEYEX Healthcare IT platform.
“We are delighted that EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in eyecare, embraces our vision for creating a shared care system spanning from research to home monitoring. Together, we are strongly positioned to significantly advance patient care and improve clinical outcomes.”
EssilorLuxottica also announced today its plan to expand into streetwear, agreeing to purchase U.S. brand Supreme from VF Corporation (Denver, USA) for $1.5 billion.
EssilorLuxottica SA (ESLX.PA) shares fell more than 4% by midday trading on Wednesday, when news of the acquisitions went public.
