Businesswire·2025-12-11 14:47Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company is addressing misinformation regarding its go-shop process related to the pending merger with Alcon, emphasizing that claims made by Broadwood Partners about a credible buyer are false [1][2][5]. Go-Shop Process - The go-shop period lasted 30 days, during which STAAR engaged with 21 third parties, but only two signed a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) [3][4]. - FountainVest, allegedly the credible buyer mentioned by Broadwood, only reached out on day 21 of the go-shop period and did not show prior interest [3]. - STAAR's CEO responded promptly to FountainVest's inquiry, but the buyer delayed returning the NDA draft, which included a standstill provision [3][4]. - The go-shop period ended without any proposals received, and Broadwood's subsequent criticism of the process is viewed as an attempt to undermine STAAR's efforts [4][5]. Merger Details - The revised merger agreement with Alcon offers a cash price of $30.75 per share, representing a 74% premium to STAAR's 90-day volume-weighted average price [6][7]. - The merger is positioned as providing immediate value to stockholders compared to a longer, uncertain journey under Broadwood's influence [6]. Company Performance and Market Conditions - STAAR's CEO acknowledged challenges in growing procedure volumes in China, which have persisted into the fourth quarter [5]. - The company has experienced a significant slowdown in growth rates compared to the period from 2020 to 2023, but remains confident in long-term business growth [5]. Stockholder Engagement - A virtual Special Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled for December 19, 2025, to discuss the merger and allow stockholders to vote [7]. - Stockholders are encouraged to make informed decisions based on the facts presented regarding the merger with Alcon [6][7].