CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France--Essilor of America, the U.S. subsidiary of Essilor International [ISIN: FR 0000121667], has acquired a majority stake in OOGP, a major distributor of contact lenses, pharmaceuticals, ophthalmic instruments and healthcare supplies based in Grants Pass, Ore. The transaction price was not announced.

Kenji Hamada

Along with OOGP’s distribution business, Essilor is acquiring the OOGP buying group, its first venture into the buying group business.

Essilor executives declined to specify how many members are in the group, or elaborate on any future plans for it. The group is serviced by vendors of frames, contact lenses and laboratory services.

The acquisition of OOGP will expand Essilor’s services business for independent eyecare professionals in the U.S. by extending the distribution network for contact lenses and ophthalmic products that was launched with Essilor’s acquisition of the Nassau Vision Group in 2003.

“This acquisition is in line with Essilor’s dedication to providing quality products and services to eyecare professionals,” said John Carrier, president EOA. “OOGP will continue with business as usual, with no changes to current business strategies.”

OOGP is one of the largest contact lens distributors in the U.S. Created in 1985, the company has 120 employees and three distribution and customer service facilities in Oregon, Alabama and Hawaii. It will add approximately $50 million to Essilor’s revenue.

 The company is a leader in incorporating computer technology warehouse automation and online ordering both in B2B and B2B2C, according to Essilor.

Dr. Kenji Hamada will remain president of OOGP, and the company’s current management team will remain in place. OOGP will operate as an independent subsidiary of EOA; customers, suppliers, and other business partners will continue to interface with OOGP as they do currently, according to Essilor

“We are excited for our employees and customers as this is another step toward future growth and success,” said Hamada, who is president OOGP. “Through this acquisition Essilor and OOGP will be able to provide an even broader service network to the industry on a national and regional level.”

Hamada, together with Francois Bes de Berc, president of Nassau, will develop the contact lens distribution business and explore every opportunity to increase and improve offers and services to eyecare professionals coast-to-coast.