Apax Partners is set to acquire German eyeglass-lens maker Rodenstock Group by the middle of 2021.  

The Munich-based Rodenstock has a staff of around 4,900 and sells its products in more than 85 countries. In 2019, the eyewear company enjoyed record sales of €450 million (NZ$754m). 

CEO of Rodenstock, Anders Hedegaard, said he was excited his company’s goals of innovation and digitisation would be supported by Apax Partners, which has a demonstrable track record in fostering such ambitions in the MedTech sphere. He added that Rodenstock has emerged from the pandemic in a stronger position than many of its competitors, thanks to its biometric intelligent glasses (BIG Vision), with Rodenstock claiming to be the first manufacturer to tailor its lenses according to a patient’s eye size and shape. 

The purchase is subject to normal regulatory approvals.