Businesswire·2025-12-09 17:39Core Viewpoint - Broadwood Partners, which owns 30.2% of STAAR Surgical Company, opposes the proposed acquisition by Alcon Inc., claiming the sale process was flawed and the offered price inadequate [1][6]. Group 1: Sale Process and Board Actions - The STAAR Board is accused of running a flawed sale process, ignoring buyout interest from multiple parties, and negotiating exclusively with Alcon, with whom the Chair had a prior relationship [3][4]. - Shareholders were prepared to reject the transaction, but the Board postponed the vote multiple times and attempted to implement a go-shop mechanism that failed to attract competitive bids [4][5]. - The Board's claims regarding the fairness of the sale process and the compensation packages for executives have been challenged, with Broadwood asserting that these claims were misleading [2][5]. Group 2: Financial Aspects and Shareholder Concerns - Alcon's initial offer of $28 per share was criticized as inadequate, especially after it later increased the offer by $150 million due to shareholder pressure [5][6]. - Concerns were raised about the substantial financial incentives for STAAR's executives, particularly the CEO's potential $24 million payout for a short tenure, which could compromise the integrity of the sale process [5][6]. - Broadwood believes that STAAR's true value exceeds $30.75 per share, suggesting that a properly structured competitive process could yield a higher offer from Alcon [7]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Shareholder Actions - Broadwood expresses confidence in STAAR's future as an independent company, anticipating it could become one of the most profitable medical technology firms if management's projections are met [7]. - Broadwood intends to vote against the revised transaction and encourages other shareholders to do the same, emphasizing the need for a more credible Board to maximize shareholder value [8].