STAAR Surgical Fails to Secure Shareholder Approval for Alcon Merger, Remains Independent
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 06 2026
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Source: Benzinga
- Merger Agreement Failure: STAAR Surgical did not secure the necessary shareholder votes at the Special Meeting to approve the merger with Alcon, leading to the decision to terminate the agreement and remain an independent publicly traded company.
- Shareholder Opposition: Major stakeholders, including Broadwood Partners with a 30.2% stake and Yunqi Capital with 5.1%, publicly opposed the merger, emphasizing STAAR's advantages in technology, financial strength, and market position, advocating for a focus on internal growth.
- Market Reaction: Following the failure to approve the merger, STAAR's shares fell by 12.20% to $21.02, while Alcon's shares rose by 1.20% to $81.62, indicating market concerns regarding STAAR's future as an independent entity.
- Future Strategic Direction: CEO Stephen Farrell stated that the company will continue to prioritize profitable sales growth while enhancing efficiencies through its distribution network, with plans to promote its EVO ICL technology more extensively worldwide.
Analyst Views on ALC
Wall Street analysts forecast ALC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ALC is 91.11 USD with a low forecast of 75.18 USD and a high forecast of 112.77 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
11 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 80.290
Low
75.18
Averages
91.11
High
112.77
Current: 80.290
Low
75.18
Averages
91.11
High
112.77
About ALC
Alcon AG is a Switzerland-based eye care company. The Company research, develop, manufacture, distribute and sell a full suite of eye care products within two key businesses: Surgical and Vision Care. The Company’s Surgical business is focused on ophthalmic products for cataract surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, refractive laser surgery and glaucoma surgery. The surgical portfolio includes implantables, consumables and surgical equipment required for these procedures and supports the end-to-end needs of the ophthalmic surgeon. The Company’s Vision Care business comprises of daily disposable, reusable and color-enhancing contact lenses and a portfolio of ocular health products, including products for dry eye, ocular allergies, glaucoma, and contact lens care, as well as ocular vitamins and redness relievers. The Company operates in 60 countries and serves consumers and patients in over 140 countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
