EssilorLuxottica Acquires 80% Stake in Heidelberg Engineering

On July 18, 2024, EssilorLuxottica announced its acquisition of an 80% stake in Heidelberg Engineering, a German company specializing in ophthalmic technology. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1990 by Dr. Gerhard Zinser and Christoph Schoess, Heidelberg Engineering has established itself as a leader in optical coherence tomography (OCT), real-time image processing, analytics, and digital surgical navigation technologies. Under the terms of the acquisition, Heidelberg Engineering will continue to operate independently under its existing brand within the EssilorLuxottica group.

Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica, expressed optimism about the acquisition in a joint statement, emphasizing Heidelberg Engineering's expertise in early detection and diagnosis as a strategic fit that strengthens EssilorLuxottica's presence in the med-tech sector. They underscored their commitment to supporting Heidelberg Engineering's growth by leveraging EssilorLuxottica's global capabilities in logistics, manufacturing, and distribution.

Christoph Schoess, co-founder and Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering, reaffirmed the company's dedication to innovation and quality, outlining future goals that include advancing image resolution, expanding imaging technology applications, and integrating AI solutions into the HEYEX Healthcare IT platform. Schoess highlighted the potential for collaboration with EssilorLuxottica to enhance patient care and clinical outcomes through a comprehensive care system.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with completion anticipated in the second half of 2024. EssilorLuxottica's acquisition of Heidelberg Engineering marks a significant development in the convergence of optical and medical technologies, promising advancements in eye care solutions globally.