- Acquisition of ALLY Robotic Cataract Laser Systems strengthens Alcon’s cataract equipment and technology portfolio
- Next generation technology will be expanded globally, improving the efficiency of cataract surgery
Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, and LENSAR, Inc., a global medical technology company focused on advanced laser solutions for the treatment of cataracts, announced the companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement through which Alcon intends to acquire LENSAR.
The acquisition includes ALLY Robotic Cataract Laser Treatment System, LENSAR’s proprietary Streamline software technology and LENSAR legacy laser system, building Alcon’s femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) offering.
Under the terms of the agreement, Alcon will purchase all outstanding shares of LENSAR for $14.00 per share in cash (an aggregate implied value of approximately $356 million* ), with an additional non-tradeable contingent value right offering up to $2.75 per share in cash, conditioned on achievement of 614,000 cumulative procedures with LENSAR’s products between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027.
The total potential consideration of $16.75 per share represents a premium of 24% to LENSAR’s 30-day VWAP and a premium of 47% to LENSAR’s 90-day VWAP, assuming the milestone is met. The transaction represents a total consideration of up to approximately $430 million.*
“We are excited for the opportunity to bring LENSAR’s unique next-generation technologies and intellectual property into our innovative, market-leading equipment portfolio,” said David Endicott, CEO of Alcon. “By leveraging our global footprint, we have the opportunity to deliver the benefits of advanced femtosecond laser technology to many more surgeons around the world and continue to improve efficiency in cataract surgery.”
Currently, there are more than 5 million cataract procedures in the U.S., and approximately 32 million globally.1 FLACS is designed to allow surgeons to utilize a computer-guided laser to address and manage the high prevalence of visually significant astigmatism, perform corneal incisions, capsulotomy, including a refractive capsulotomy, and lens fragmentation, removing the need for blade incisions. This can contribute to more precise, reproducible and reliable cataract surgery.
* Assuming use of the Treasury Stock Method
“Our focus has been on providing surgeons with breakthrough laser technology in cataract surgery for today and tomorrow,” said Nick Curtis, CEO of LENSAR. “Thanks to the continued passion and commitment of LENSAR associates, customers and our investors, we are excited about the potential Alcon has to advance the industry in next-generation laser technology for refractive cataract surgery, furthering our and their mission to meet the needs of both surgeons and their cataract patients.”
The transaction is anticipated to close in mid-to-late 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval and approval by LENSAR’s stockholders.
Lazard is serving as financial advisor to Alcon, and Norton Rose Fulbright is serving as legal advisor to Alcon. Wells Fargo is serving as financial advisor to LENSAR and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to LENSAR.
Reference
2025 Market Scope Data.