Alcon to purchase cataract surgery specialist LenSx

Alcon has entered into an agreement to acquire LenSx Lasers, a privately-held company which specialises in laser technology for cataract surgery.

The deal will see Alcon pay $361.5 million (239.3 million pounds) to acquire all shares in the company, as well as further payments of up to $382.5 million contingent on the future sales of LenSx products.

LenSx’s key product offering is a femtosecond laser for anterior capsulotomy and laser phacofragmentation during cataract surgery, providing surgeons with added precision during delicate aspects of the procedure.

Stuart Raetzman, vice-president of global marketing for Alcon, said the purchase of LenSx ties in with the company’s aim to deliver improvements for cataract surgeons.

He added: “The LenSx laser provides surgeons a new level of predictability and control over critical manual steps during cataract removal – making those steps more precise and reliable.”

Last week, Alcon announced plans to hold an extraordinary general meeting next month in order to discuss the conditional election of new directors recommended by Novartis.