D.O.R.C. Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (International) BV

DORC supplies equipment, instruments and liquids for ophthalmic surgery to improve eye surgery globally and enhances surgeon control by offering quality approaches for eye disorders Carl Zeiss agrees to buy DORC. (Credit: ZEISS) Carl Zeiss Meditec has agreed to acquire Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (International) (DORC) from French investment firm Eurazeo for €985m. DORC supplies equipment, instruments and liquids for ophthalmic surgery to improve eye surgery globally and enhances surgeon control by offering quality approaches for eye disorders. Carl Zeiss Meditec said the acquisition is expected to improve and complement the range of digitally connected workflow solutions and ophthalmic treatments offered by its unit, ZEISS Medical Technology. ZEISS Medical Technology’s technology addresses a wide range of eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders, and refractive errors. According to Germany-based Carl Zeiss, DORC will also support its long-term strategy and future success. DORC’s line of instruments, consumables, and fluids for eye procedures will also expand the company’s portfolio. In addition, ZEISS will solidify its position in the ophthalmic medical equipment market and increase its market share in the vitreo-retinal (VR) surgery market. Carl Zeiss Meditec president and CEO Markus Weber said: “With the acquisition of Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center, we’ll bring together two highly innovative ophthalmic powerhouses to accelerate ZEISS’s position in the vitreo-retinal surgery segment and extend our leadership in the ophthalmic medical devices market.” Additionally, the acquisition adds DORC’s EVA NEXUS platform, an advanced dual-function system, to ZEISS Medical Technology’s offering. EVA NEXUS includes a dual-capable system and a full range of accessories, instruments, and liquids that offer a solution across VR, cataract, and combined procedures on a single platform. DORC International CEO Pierre Billardon said: “In the year when DORC celebrates 40 years of innovation in ophthalmic surgery, we could not be more excited to join a market leader and visionary like ZEISS Medical Technology. “We’ve built an amazing business with innovative, market-leading products and look forward to seizing this opportunity for growth and advancing the future of ophthalmic surgery. “I am personally proud and immensely grateful to all of the team at D.O.R.C. for their commitment and expertise to help patients see again.” The deal is anticipated to conclude in the first half of 2024, subject to applicable regulatory and antitrust approvals. Furthermore, RBC Capital Markets acted as an exclusive financial advisor to the acquisition.