MISSISSAUGA, Ontario—Hoya Vision Care Canada, based here, announced a definitive agreement to acquire Central Optical Company, an optical lab in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The acquisition is expected to close today, at which time Central Optical will be relocated to Hoya’s recently expanded facility, also in Winnipeg. The lab will be upgraded with advanced equipment and will be the largest optical laboratory in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, according to Hoya.

Rob Soloway, president of Central Optical, will join the management team of Hoya Canada as a business development manager.

“We’re excited to work with Hoya, since our model of distribution has always been to work with the independent, and that’s their focus as well,” Soloway told VMail.

“With the acquisition of Central Optical, Hoya Vision Care confirms its strong commitment to increase geographical presence in the Canadian market and make available its high quality lenses and services as a strong partner to eye care practitioners,” said Barney Dougher, president of Hoya Vision Care for the Americas.

The acquisition does not include Europa Eyewear Canada, formerly known as Cenoco, which Soloway continues to operate as a separate company.

Central Optical was founded in 1955 by Soloway’s father Charles J. Soloway, OD and uncle Oscar Soloway, OD.