by Hanna Diewald | Jul 31, 2019 | News
EssilorLuxottica S.A. (“EssilorLuxottica”), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses today announces an agreement with Hal Optical Investments B.V. (“HAL”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HAL Holding N.V, for the sale of HAL’s 76.72% ownership interest in GrandVision N.V. (“GrandVision” or the “Company”), a global leader in optical retail (the “Block Trade Agreement”). Under the Block Trade Agreement, EssilorLuxottica will buy HAL’s shares for a price of Euro 28 per share, to be increased by 1.5% to Euro 28.42 if closing of the Transaction (the “Transaction”) does not occur within 12 months from the announcement date. GrandVision supports the Transaction under the terms of a support agreement with EssilorLuxottica (the “Support Agreement”).
Closing of the Transaction between EssilorLuxottica and HAL is subject to various conditions, including obtaining antitrust clearance. The Transaction is expected to close in 12 to 24 months. After the Transaction has been successfully concluded, EssilorLuxottica will launch a mandatory cash public offer (the “Mandatory Public Offer”) for all outstanding shares in the Company, in accordance with the applicable Dutch public offer rules.
For EssilorLuxottica, the combination with GrandVision will serve as a catalyst to unlock the underlying growth potential of the eyecare and eyewear industry. The activities of both companies are highly complementary. EssilorLuxottica currently operates over 10,000 stores and several proprietary online platforms with a strong presence in the Americas. GrandVision operates more than 7,200 optical stores and online platforms in more than 40 different countries with a strong presence in Europe and Latin America.
GrandVision will bring more than 37,000 employees and Euro 3.7 billion in annual revenue to EssilorLuxottica, growing the company’s reach and expanding its dialogue with end consumers. The combination with GrandVision will create an extended multichannel platform to seize future opportunities in retail and in consumer interaction on eyecare and eyewear products and services.
by Hanna Diewald | Jul 31, 2019 | News
The Vision Council is pleased to announce the Lab Division’s Directors’ Choice Award recipient and the industry veterans who have been selected to be inducted into the Lab Division Hall of Fame for 2019. The Division has named Steve Sutherlin, The Vision Council’s Lab Division liaison and former president of Sutherlin Optical, as the 2019 recipient of the Directors’ Choice Award. Sutherlin was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008 and will be honored again this year for his more than 45 years in the optical industry. “It’s a pleasure to honor these hard-working individuals through inducting them into the Lab Division Hall of Fame and awarding the Directors’ Choice Award on behalf of The Vision Council,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “These inductees have proven their passion for the optical laboratory industry by continually advancing and positively influencing it, and we’re looking forward to celebrating them at this year’s Hall of Fame dinner.”
The 2019 Lab Division Hall of Fame inductees are as follows:
- Jörg Spangemacher, MAFO Magazine
Spangemacher has dedicated his life to reporting on the optical industry worldwide, creating MAFO – The Conference as a dedicated place for industry professionals to gather and learn.
- Arman Bernardi, iCoat
Bernardi took leadership of iCoat during a vital transition period, significantly growing sales, introducing new technology, efficient workflow practices and ultimately making iCoat’s coating technologies the standard in coating departments of multiple large mass merchants and vision insurance companies.
- Yvette Carranza, DVI
Carranza is recognized for her leadership and aim to help the industry find ways to better utilize and integrate computer automation with manufacturing processes and RX delivery methods in a profitable and timely manner.
- Ed DeRosa, Signet Armorlite
DeRosa is known for his customer service and passion for the optical industry, while understanding competition and encourages sales teams to go above and beyond to supply optometrists with the right products to set them apart.
- Skip Payne, IcareLabs
Payne grew up in the optical industry, taking over the family business from his late father in January 2000. After restructuring to focus on laboratory business, Payne worked with his brothers and nephews to improve every system and procedure.
- Kevin Rupp, Essilor
Rupp has been a key strategist behind the growth and success of Essilor of America over the last 20 years, having great involvement in the Essilor Vision Foundation as a founding board member and treasurer.
Nominations for candidates for the Hall of Fame are submitted by members of The Vision Council. The selection of the individuals for the Lab Division Hall of Fame is made by an anonymous committee of industry veterans. Consideration is given for contributions to the optical laboratory industry, Lab Division of The Vision Council, the candidate’s individual accomplishments, personal character, reputation and length of time active in the industry.
Sutherlin will be recognized alongside this year’s Lab Division Hall of Fame inductees during the Lab Division’s Directors’ Choice Award and 20th Annual Lab Division Hall of Fame celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 18, in conjunction with the Lab Division Meeting and Vision Expo West. For more information, visit thevisioncouncil.org.
Steve Sutherlin at the Hall of Fame Dinner 2018 in Las Vegas. Photo credit: The Vision Council
by Hanna Diewald | Jul 18, 2019 | News
EssilorLuxottica confirms it is having discussions to purchase the 76.72% ownership interest in GrandVision N.V. of HAL Holding N.V. No agreement has yet been reached and no assurance can be provided that these discussions will lead to such an agreement. In addition, completion of the transaction would be subject to customary conditions precedent including approval by regulatory authorities in various jurisdictions.
The purchase price per share indicatively discussed among the parties to date is Euro 28.00 per share. The terms of the potential transaction, including with respect to price, will be subject to continued evaluation and discussion during the coming weeks and further review by the parties’ boards of directors.
by Hanna Diewald | Jul 16, 2019 | News
New education at Vision Expo West 2019 will offer attendees a wide range of tracks, courses, workshops and competitions featuring the latest in leadership, marketing, patient care and more with real-time planning and interactive demonstrations. With over 300 hours of educational content available, attendees will have the opportunity to fulfill multiple aspects of their professional aspirations.
“This year’s Vision Expo will offer high-quality education that’s presented in new and engaging formats from the top leaders in the industry,” said Dr. Mark Dunbar, co-chairman of the conference advisory board. “With interactive and in-depth sessions, attendees have the opportunity to leave Vision Expo with all the tools they need to efficiently and effectively apply what they’ve learned,” added Dr. Ben Gaddie, co-chairman of the conference advisory board.
Exploring the intricacy of marketing in today’s society, new EyeInnovate Marketing Workshops will provide attendees hands-on training and onsite instruction for ease of implementation when returning to their business or practice. Hosted by Marketing4ecps, each course will cover four fundamental marketing channels including social media, digital marketing, video and blogging, and merchandising.
A new myopia track will examine the latest in myopia care, prevention and patient education with courses curated by the top professionals in the field. As one of the most common conditions seen by optometrists, this track will guide clinicians through strategies to manage and slow the progression of myopia. Additionally, the Brien Holden Vision Institute will offer an interactive session on how to apply the latest myopia innovations in patient care.
As part of the EYE2EYE Series, the OptiCon @ Vision Expo General Session will feature a presentation by Rebecca Alexander, psychotherapist, extreme athlete, activist and author of the memoir “Not Fade Away.” Born with Usher syndrome type III, a disease that leads to loss of both vision and hearing, Alexander will share her personal story in her presentation, Climbing Ever Higher: An Inspirational Story About True Vision.
“Vision Expo provides attendees the opportunity to grow professionally and personally,” said James M. Morris, American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) executive director. “The OptiCon General Session with Rebecca Alexander will offer eyecare providers a deeper and more personalized look into vision and what it means to care for a patient in times of great physical and emotional stress.”
Panelists will compete for the audience’s votes in the new Battle at the Sands: Case Challenges in Optometry competition. Eight panelists will present cases that highlight imaging technology for a chance to be named the winner. Following the competition, attendees will have access to a free imaging workshop.
The new Leadership Forum with Roberto Monaco will present attendees with three inspirational and business-focused courses. Specifically designed for the optical industry, these courses will teach attendees how to increase their leadership effectiveness, eliminate a negative mindset, embrace and implement change, and improve communication skills.
To register for Vision Expo West 2019, visit visionexpowest.com.
by Hanna Diewald | Jul 9, 2019 | News
In order to improve services offers and to better meet the customer’s needs, FISA has extended their site in Germany. 150 sqm more for the benefit of their customers: new technical office for the after-sales team, new spare parts store as well as new FIMM Germany offices (detergent process sister company). You are very welcome to come and visit FISA, even to do trials in one of their labs! Find more information on www.fisa.com
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
by Hanna Diewald | Jul 9, 2019 | News
On May 28th, 2019, SCHNEIDER was honored w ith the German Innovation Award by the German Design Council for the invention of the Module Line – the first fully automated Industry 4.0 ophthalmic lens production system. Following its nomination, SCHNEIDER was chosen by the members of t he independent and interdisciplinary jury of experts.
“SCHNEIDER’s Modulo Line lives and breathes Industry 4.0 and is a fantastic showcase of what its true power is – not just in theory but in reality. It provides fundamental competitive advantages like utmost efficiency a nd cost savings“, says Prof. Dr. Alexander Wurzer, member of t he jury. Introduced in 2013, Modulo has become firmly established in the ophthalmic industry and has produced more than 70 million lenses to date with thousands of jobs completed every hour. For further information visit www.schneider-om.com
