Essilor and Hoya considering bids for Rodenstock purchase

Essilor and Hoya are considering bids for the acquisition of German lens and frame manufacturer Rodenstock, according to reports.

Citing unnamed sources close to those involved, Bloomberg Business reported that the companies had held informal talks recently about potential offers for Rodenstock, which could achieve a sales figure of €500m. Neither company has submitted an official bid, as Essilor was reported to be considering antitrust hurdles and Hoya was said to be wary of the asking price.

Buyout firm Bridgepoint, which acquired Rodenstock from Permira in 2006 for an undisclosed sum, said it was working with Goldman Sachs to explore strategic growth options but added that no formal sales process had been undertaken. The company declined to comment further.