Hoya’s vision care division will acquire 100% of the shares in Dioptra CZ. While the existing management team will remain in place, Rainer Burkard, director of global business development for Hoya vision care, will serve as acting managing director through 2008.
In early 2009, Hoya expects to appoint Ivana Nechanicka to serve as managing director of Dioptra CZ. Ms Nechanicka is currently the southwest regional sales manager for Hoya vision care North America.
It is reported that the agreement with Dioptra CZ will allow Hoya to increase sales of high-end premium products in the Czech market. Hoya believes the Czech market is growing in excess of 10% per year, driven by an accelerated conversion of mineral to organic lenses, and bi-focal to progressive designs.
Gerald Bottero, president and CEO of Hoya vision care, said: “We are excited about the future of Hoya in the Czech market, and expect to see higher sales of progressive lenses due to rising disposable incomes, a highly educated class of eye care professionals and favorable demographic trends.”