Linklaters has advised funds managed by Apax Partners on their agreement to acquire Rodenstock Group, a leading manufacturer of premium ophthalmic lenses, from Compass Partners.

Founded in 1877, Rodenstock has been a global leader in prescription lenses for over 140 years, with a strong track record of innovative product development and market leading technologies.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Rodenstock employs around 4,900 people worldwide and is represented by sales subsidiaries and distribution partners in more than 85 countries.

The Apax Funds will support the Rodenstock management team’s vision of accelerating the company’s growth through innovation, commercial execution and digitalisation, whilst continuing to deliver the highest level of service to clients and partners.

The Linklaters team advising on the deal was led by private equity partners Ralph Drebes (Frankfurt) and Ben Rodham (London) supported by private equity managing associates Albrecht Schaefer (Frankfurt) and Kay Murphy (London).

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the middle of 2021.