Alcon will acquire STAAR Surgical in a $1.5bn deal, buying out STAAR’s outstanding stock at $28 per share. STAAR’s EVO Implantable Collamer Lenses address vision correction for high myopes, aiming to help 500 million individuals globally. Alcon expects the deal to enhance profit margins and close within 6-12 months.

Alcon CEO David Endicott sees the acquisition as a way to offer surgical vision correction solutions for high myopes. The deal complements Alcon’s laser vision correction business and expands treatment options for myopia. Alcon has been active in acquisitions recently, including acquiring Lensar and planning to acquire LumiThera.

STAAR has faced challenges, with a 45% decline in sales in Q1 2025 due to weakened demand in China. To counter this, STAAR plans a $30m share buyback program. CEO Stephen Farrell believes the Alcon acquisition is the best path forward, offering value to shareholders. The deal addresses challenges faced in the Chinese procurement market.

Alcon’s acquisition of STAAR Surgical is part of its strategic expansion in the eye care industry. The deal will allow Alcon to provide a wider range of treatment options for myopia, addressing the needs of a growing global population. The acquisition is expected to enhance Alcon’s position in the market and drive growth in the coming years.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Alcon strikes $1.5bn deal to acquire ailing rival STAAR Surgical