SANTA ANA, Calif.--Advanced Medical
Optics has completed its acquisition of VISX this week, following a
May 26 vote by both firms’ stockholders to approve the $1.27
billion deal. VIXS is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced
Medical Optics (AMO).
“We view refractive surgery as
an extremely important growth opportunity in ophthalmic
devices,” said Advanced Medical Optics’ president and
chief executive officer, Jim Mazzo. “The acquisition of VISX
transforms AMO into the world’s leading refractive-surgical
company and demonstrates our commitment to this fast-growing
market.”
Added Mazzo, “We have
strengthened our ability to serve eyecare professionals, and look
forward to expanding the VISX technologies globally while
continuing to provide products with the same safety, efficacy,
convenience and options customers have grown to expect from AMO and
VISX.”
AMO’s stockholders now own
approximately 58.5 percent of the combined company; VISX’s
stockholders own about 41.5 percent. Effective June 8, AMO
began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker
symbol “EYE,” the symbol previously used by
VISX.
Liz Davila, former chairman and CEO
of VISX, has joined AMO’s board of directors; Doug Post,
formerly president and chief operating officer of VISX, is now
president of AMO’s Americas region.