Businesswire·2025-12-16 14:12Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company has amended its merger agreement with Alcon, offering stockholders $30.75 per share, which represents a 74% premium to the 90-day Volume Weighted Average Price and a 66% premium to the closing price on August 4, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Merger Agreement Details - The revised merger agreement with Alcon is set to provide STAAR stockholders with $30.75 per share in cash if the transaction is completed [1]. - Independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommends that STAAR stockholders vote "FOR" the Alcon transaction, citing improved terms and reduced downside risks [2]. - The STAAR Board of Directors also urges stockholders to vote "FOR" the merger to protect their investment value [3]. Group 2: Analyst Insights - Analysts from BTIG suggest that STAAR shareholders should accept the offer, warning of potential significant declines in share value if the deal does not go through [5]. - Canaccord Genuity notes that the expiration of the "go-shop" period revealed limited interest from other potential acquirers, indicating that the revised terms are likely to satisfy shareholders [5]. - Mizuho highlights that the $1.6 billion valuation of the transaction is approximately 4.5 times the forward EV/Sales based on projected revenues, which aligns with industry standards for similar companies [5]. Group 3: Company Background - STAAR Surgical is a leader in implantable phakic intraocular lenses, focusing solely on ophthalmic surgery since 1982, and has sold over 3 million ICLs globally [7]. - The company operates research, development, manufacturing, and packaging facilities in California and Switzerland, emphasizing its commitment to advanced vision correction solutions [7].