Rayner is set to embark on a new period of growth following a capital investment of €0.5bn by the European investment holding company Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL).
With this investment, GBL will acquire a co-controlling minority stake in Rayner from CVC Capital Partners VIII.
Tim Clover, CEO of Rayner, said the “transaction marks an exciting milestone for Rayner”.
“Having recently invested significantly in our R&D, new products and multiple FDA approvals, alongside our manufacturing and support services, we are extremely well placed to embark on our next phase of growth with a world class and highly supportive shareholder base. I’m delighted to welcome GBL to our board, and grateful that CVC are remaining alongside us as our lead investor.”
Phil Robinson, Partner in CVC’s Healthcare team, commented: “Rayner is a globally renowned pioneer in the ophthalmology sector, and has delivered significant growth and expansion under the first phase of our investment since 2021. We are looking forward to working with the GBL team over the coming years to now capitalise on these foundations and further support the business with our combined global networks and capital.”
On behalf of GBL, Investment Partner Michal Chalaczkiewicz said, “After Affidea and Sanoptis, this marks GBL’s third investment in healthcare. With this premier MedTech business, we are investing in another quality platform, in an attractive segment with exciting growth opportunities. We look forward to working with Tim Clover and his management team, as well as CVC, to further Rayner’s impressive value creation trajectory.”
Rayner operates in over 80 countries with a portfolio that includes monofocal and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), ophthalmic consumables including Omdria and Ophteis OVDs, the SOPHI Phaco platform and a suite of digital tools to improve surgeons’ and patients’ convenience. From its beginnings in developing the world’s first IOL in 1949, Rayner is now pioneering the next wave of intraocular lenses with the world’s first spiral IOL (Galaxy) with the anticipated launch of Galaxy in Q4 2026.
The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of required regulatory approvals.
