AMO to acquire VISX.(NEWS REVIEW)(Brief Article)

Review of Optometry, November, 2004

Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) will acquire VISX Incorporated. The merger will create a $1 billion global ophthalmic company, which will retain the Advanced Medical Optics name. Upon completion of the transaction, AMO's stockholders will own approximately 58.5% of the combined company, and VISX's stockholders will own approximately 41.5%.

The merger is a strategic and complementary fit, the companies say. VISX produces laser vision correction systems. AMO produces ophthalmic surgical and contact lens care products, such as foldable intraocular lenses, phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics and microkeratomes.