News

Alcon Sweetens Its Bid to Buy Rival STAAR Surgical in $1.6 Billion Deal

Alcon has raised its offer to $30.75 per share in cash, valuing STAAR at roughly $1.6 billion, a sizeable increase from its original proposal and a substantial premium over STAAR’s recent trading levels. The revised terms aim to strengthen support among shareholders ahead of a scheduled vote on December 19, as the deal edges closer to completion.

• By Reuters
• New Delhi
• Dec 11, 2025

News

Swiss eyecare giant Alcon has dramatically boosted its takeover bid for U.S. medical technology firm STAAR Surgical, intensifying one of the healthcare sector’s most closely watched acquisition battles.

Alcon has raised its offer to $30.75 per share in cash, valuing STAAR at roughly $1.6 billion, a sizeable increase from its original proposal and a substantial premium over STAAR’s recent trading levels. The revised terms aim to strengthen support among shareholders ahead of a scheduled vote on December 19, as the deal edges closer to completion. 

The amended agreement follows a period during which STAAR conducted a so-called “go-shop” process, giving itself time to seek rival bids from other potential buyers. Despite engaging with multiple interested parties, no competing proposals emerged before the deadline, leaving Alcon’s offer unchallenged.

Under the new terms, the acquisition represents a 74 percent premium to STAAR’s average share price over the past three months and a 66 percent premium relative to the stock’s closing price earlier in the year — figures that shareholders may find hard to ignore.

Alcon, a leader in vision care products and surgical solutions, has argued that combining with STAAR will enhance its position in the fast-growing global market for myopia correction technologies, including STAAR’s popular EVO implantable collamer lenses. Company executives have characterised the revised offer as a “best and final” proposal that delivers immediate and certain value to STAAR’s investors. 

STAAR’s board of directors has already endorsed the updated deal, but not all shareholders are on board. A significant investor bloc has criticised the acquisition, calling for higher valuations and questioning the sale process. Still, many analysts believe that if the vote passes, the combination could unlock synergies and broaden the reach of both companies’ products. 

STAAR’s shares reacted positively to the news, climbing sharply on trading floors as excitement grew around the sweeter terms. If approved and cleared by regulators, the transaction is slated to close in early 2026, marking a major consolidation in the eyecare and ophthalmic device industry.