Essilor to acquire Satisloh

Charenton-le-Pont, France, and Horgen, Switzerland-Essilor International has agreed to purchase Satisloh Holding AG, a leading supplier of prescription laboratory equipment. The acquisition is expected to close later this year, subject to certain conditions including approval by competition authorities in countries where Satisloh does business.

Satisloh manufactures antireflective coating units and surfacing machines, as well as consumables, and markets its products through its own global distribution network. Satisloh has more than 400 employees and reported 2007 revenues of 161 million (approximately US $250 million).

According to Essilor, the combined capabilities and expertise of Satisloh and Essilor will facilitate a broader, more competitive range of products and services, with shorter time-to-market cycles. The acquisition will not only open up a new area of business, but also will enable the development of services for labs, optical chains, and eye-care professionals around the world, according to the company.