Belgian investment holding company Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL) is investing €500 million (AU$840 million) in British ophthalmic manufacturer Rayner.
An announcement said GBL had acquired a co-controlling minority stake in Rayner from CVC Capital Partners VIII.
It said GBL would partner with CVC and Rayner’s “excellent management team to support Rayner in its international growth ambitions”.
Rayner is a global leader in ophthalmic innovation, with a portfolio of innovative ophthalmic products available around the world, including Australia.
Rayner’s portfolio includes monofocal and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), ophthalmic consumables including OMIDRIA and Ophteis OVDs, the SOPHI Phaco platform and a suite of digital tools.
Tim Clover, CEO of Rayner, said: “This transaction marks an exciting milestone for Rayner.
“Having recently invested significantly in our R&D, new products and multiple FDA approvals, alongside our manufacturing and support services, we are extremely well placed to embark on our next phase of growth with a world class and highly supportive shareholder base.
“I’m delighted to welcome GBL to our board, and grateful that CVC are remaining alongside us as our lead investor.”
Phil Robinson, partner in CVC’s healthcare team, said: “Rayner is a globally renowned pioneer in the ophthalmology sector, and has delivered significant growth and expansion under the first phase of our investment since 2021.
“We are looking forward to working with the GBL team over the coming years to now capitalise on these foundations and further support the business with our combined global networks and capital.”
GBL investment partner Michal Chalaczkiewicz said: “After Affidea and Sanoptis, this marks GBL’s third investment in healthcare.
“With this premier medtech business, we are investing in another quality platform, in an attractive segment with exciting growth opportunities.”
The announcement said Rayner would continue to pursue a strategy focused on driving both organic and inorganic growth.
The company is expanding strongly in North America with its recently approved EMV and EMV toric lenses, its approved Sophi Phaco machine and the anticipated launch of Galaxy in Q4 2026, as well as international expansion in Asia and Latin America.
