Ocular Sciences builds presence in Europe

News that the US manufacturer and marketer of soft contact lenses was to buy Essilor's contact lens business appeared at the start of the year (News, January 12) in an all-cash transaction of &\#163;34.5m. The deal means Ocular Sciences has acquired three manufacturing facilities as well as direct sales offices in France, the UK, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the Sunsoft subsidiary in the US. It has also secured distribution through Essilor in Austria, Belgium, Italy and parts of Asia. The new senior appointments include: David Newlove, head of UK and European distribution; Claude Darnault, head of direct European business; Guy Whittaker, head of European professionals services; Pierre Monteil, head of European marketing. Michael Sausman assumes a new role as the head of distribution business in the Asia/Pacific region. John Fruth, chairman and chief executive officer of Ocular Sciences, said: 'We have significantly increased our presence in major European markets and complemented our product line. 'Combining the Essilor range of specialty lenses with Ocular Sciences' range of disposable lenses allow us to compete in the two fastest-growing segments of the specialty lens market, disposable multifocal and toric lenses.'