STAAR Surgical’s 30‑day go‑shop period, which began on September 7 2025, expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 6 2025 after the company engaged 21 potential buyers, two of whom signed non‑disclosure agreements but did not submit formal offers. The lack of competing proposals confirms that the Alcon acquisition remains the sole option for shareholders.
The Alcon deal, announced in August 2025, values STAAR at approximately $1.5 billion and offers $28 per share—representing a 51‑59% premium over STAAR’s pre‑announcement share price. The premium reflects Alcon’s assessment that STAAR’s EVO ICL lenses and myopia‑treatment pipeline complement its laser vision‑correction business.
Alcon’s strategic rationale centers on expanding its portfolio of vision‑correction solutions. By adding STAAR’s high‑margin ICL technology, Alcon can broaden its product mix, deepen its presence in the growing myopia market, and leverage cross‑selling opportunities with its existing laser platforms.
Shareholder opposition remains a key factor. Broadwood Partners, STAAR’s largest shareholder, has publicly challenged the board’s process, arguing that the company failed to explore alternative offers. The activist group is pushing to remove three directors and is urging shareholders to vote against the merger, a stance that could delay or derail the transaction.
STAAR’s recent financial performance provides context for the deal. In Q3 2025, the company reported net sales of $94.7 million, up 6.9% year‑over‑year, and net income of $8.9 million, or $0.18 per share—both figures exceeding analyst estimates of $90.82 million in sales and $0.16 EPS. The earnings beat was driven by stronger demand in core segments and disciplined cost management.
CEO Stephen Farrell emphasized that the board’s sale process was thorough and that the go‑shop results validate the decision to accept Alcon’s offer. “The go‑shop confirms that the board’s assessment of the market and the value offered by Alcon was correct,” Farrell said.
Analysts remain cautious due to the ongoing shareholder opposition and valuation concerns, but the premium offered by Alcon and the company’s recent earnings beat suggest that the deal is likely to proceed once shareholder approval is obtained.
revised_sentiment_rating
importance
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.