CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.—In a move that combines the resources and technologies of the number one and number two contact lens distributors in the U.S. market, ABB CONCISE and Optical Distributor Group (ODG) are announcing a merger.

The terms of the arrangement were not disclosed but the deal became effective Dec. 28, 2012.

In a joint statement, the companies said, "By consolidating the efforts and strengths of these two companies, ABB CONCISE and ODG will be able to deliver more services and programs to help the eyecare professional better compete in this competitive marketplace."

Angel Alvarez, CEO of ABB CONCISE stated, "We are very excited about the opportunities that this merger will create to help us achieve our common vision of helping eyecare professions compete. This merger is an investment in the future for our customers because it combines the strengths of our two companies as we continue to focus on our core strategy of bringing new products, services and practice building tools to our combined customer base. Our leadership teams are enthusiastic about building a platform that our customers can trust and will be an overall win for them and our industry.”

Jeff Rems, president and COO of ODG elaborated, "ODG has always prided itself on providing the highest level of service in the industry by offering innovative programs to help the ECP successfully compete, retain patients and improve profitability. This merger with ABB CONCISE only strengthens that philosophy of being a trusted 'business partner' to them. ABB CONCISE shares these same initiatives and we’re excited to bring new programs and services to increase efficiency and profitability in today’s competitive environment.”

This merger will bring together over 120 sales professionals delivering the common vision of helping ECPs improve practice performance, the statement said. "As the companies work to create an even better organization, there will be no disruption of service. Customers will continue communicating with the same customer service and sales representatives with each company that they have prior to the merger. Business will remain as usual. "

ABB CONCISE and ODG said they would like their customers to know that they will continue to communicate with them as this merger progresses so they will remain informed about the exciting programs and services they will be receiving.

Together, ABB CONCISE and Optical Distributor Group supply more than 30,000 eyecare professionals across America with brand name contact lenses, finished ophthalmic lenses, fully customizable gas permeable lenses.

In addition, ODG’s Digital Eye Lab provides ECPs with cutting edge Free Form ophthalmic lens designs and AR Coatings thru its full service automated lab. The companies also offer practice building tools such as pricing strategy tools, business reviews, Annual Supply Staff Training and Ecommerce solutions including patient ordering websites yourlens.com and primaryecp.com.

Watch for more details on this story in upcoming editions of VMail and on VisionMonday.com.