EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the eyecare industry, has announced an agreement to acquire an 80% stake in Heidelberg Engineering, a Germany-based company specializing in diagnostic solutions, digital surgical technologies, and healthcare IT for clinical ophthalmology. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2024, marks a significant step forward in EssilorLuxottica's med-tech strategy.

Founded in 1990 by Dr. Gerhard Zinser and Christoph Schoess, Heidelberg Engineering has established itself as a reference in early detection of sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. The company's extensive technological and scientific expertise in optical coherence tomography (OCT), real-time image processing, analytics, and digital surgical navigation has served medical professionals, scientists, and researchers across a broad range of ophthalmic areas in over 100 countries.

“This acquisition is a perfect fit for EssilorLuxottica, as it will bolster our presence in the med-tech space,” Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica, said in a press release. “Heidelberg Engineering shares our core values of excellence and commitment to research and development. By harnessing our Group's full capabilities, we are dedicated to fostering their long-term growth while enhancing the doctor and patient experience.”

Schoess, cofounder and managing director of Heidelberg Engineering, expressed his delight in the partnership. “Our mission has always been to develop products that provide comprehensive, accurate, and clinically relevant information to aid ophthalmologists in achieving better outcomes for their patients,” he said in a press release. “Together with EssilorLuxottica, we are strongly positioned to significantly advance patient care and improve clinical outcomes.”

Under the EssilorLuxottica umbrella, Heidelberg Engineering will continue to serve the market under its established brand.