Global eye care giant Alcon has pulled the plug on its planned merger with LENSAR, abruptly ending a deal once positioned to reshape innovation in cataract surgery.
The companies confirmed they have mutually agreed to terminate the previously announced agreement, following months of mounting regulatory pressure and delays.
At the center of the collapse is opposition from the Federal Trade Commission, which prolonged the review process for nearly a year—ultimately tipping the balance against the deal.
"Alcon continues to believe that the acquisition of LENSAR would have significantly enhanced FLACS innovation and competition to the benefit of surgeons and patients," said David J Endicott, Chief Executive Officer of Alcon.
"However, the delay and associated costs of this extended regulatory review, which began nearly a year ago, has rendered the transaction unattractive to pursue further in light of the Federal Trade Commission’s opposition. Alcon remains committed to advancing cataract surgery by delivering technologies that improve efficiency for surgeons and outcomes for patients,”
The collapse underscores intensifying scrutiny of healthcare mergers, particularly those involving advanced surgical technologies such as femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).
