MedTech

Essilux takes over Optegra from MidEuropa

The ophthalmic platform operates in 5 European markets: UK, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and the Netherlands

by R.Fi.

30 May 2025

3' min read

Key points

The Essilux strategy
Seller
Optegra's future expansion

3' min read

New move by EssilorLuxottica in medtech. The Italo-French group and private equity MidEuropa announce that they have signed an agreement to acquire Optegra, a fast-growing and fully integrated ophthalmic platform operating in five strategic European markets: the UK, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and the Netherlands.

Under the Optegra, Lexum and Iris brands, the Optegra Group operates a large network of more than 70 ophthalmic hospitals and diagnostic centres in Europe, offering essential ophthalmic treatments and elective procedures for vision correction supported by AI in the pre- and post-operative phases, the group's press release said. These include sight-saving cataract surgery, therapies for age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, refractive lens replacement and laser surgery, with access on a contractual basis with the health service and on a outpatient basis.

On the Paris stock exchange, EssilorLuxottica shares fell just over 1%.

The Essilux strategy

"With the acquisition of Optegra, we now enter a new dimension, where comprehensive vision care pathways, advanced diagnostics, therapeutic treatments and eye surgery converge into a single integrated platform. Our strategic assets will enable us to realise this vision: a capillary distribution network with innovative clinical approaches, smart eyewear with integrated functions to help us take care of our health, and diagnostic capabilities capable of detecting different pathologies, from neurodegenerative diseases to cardiovascular dysfunctions. Thanks to the experience of its medical teams, Optegra will bring new clinical expertise to our Group, allowing us to respond to patients' needs with increasingly cutting-edge vision care technologies and treatments, seamlessly integrated into a reliable ecosystem that will shape our med-tech ambitions. With the continued enhancement of our AI and big data competencies, we will be able to elevate the patient experience, making it ever more personalised and integrated," commented Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica.

The transaction, with Rothschild & Co as financial advisor to the Milleri-led group, is expected to be completed by 2025 and is subject to the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities and customary market conditions.

The Seller

"The evolution of Optegra into MidEurope fully embodies our approach to support European healthcare platforms of excellence and with great growth potential. Thanks to the collaboration with Peter Byloos and the experience of his management, we have accelerated the organic growth of the group with the expansion into two new markets, the Netherlands and Slovakia. Likewise, we supported the opening of new clinics in the UK and completed eight strategic acquisitions in five different countries. We are proud to have contributed to the digitisation of Optegra with the adoption of state-of-the-art AI technologies and the ambition to make high-quality ophthalmic care increasingly accessible. We would like to thank Optegra's management and medical teams for their dedication and commitment to this journey. We are convinced that EssilorLuxottica is the ideal partner to lead Optegra into a 1/2 new season of growth and innovation. We wish them a successful future as they consolidate and continue to grow the solid base we have helped to build," added Robert Knorr, managing partner of MidEuropa, an independent private equity operator in Central and Eastern Europe focused on Central and Eastern Europe with approximately EUR 5.3 billion in assets under management.

Optegra's future expansion

"Joining EssilorLuxottica marks the beginning of a new phase of transformation for Optegra. Their leadership in vision care, together with our clinical excellence and a patient-centric approach, creates an innovative platform that will redefine the paradigm for ophthalmic services in Europe. This partnership not only accelerates our growth path, but also strengthens our ability to offer patients advanced, digital and integrated solutions. Furthermore, it represents an important opportunity for our medical teams, people and management to become part of a global ecosystem that inspires and drives the future of vision care," concluded Peter Byloos, CEO of Optegra Eye Health Care.