maconda supports Argos Wityu in its investment in aktivoptik, one of the leading optician chains also offering hearing acoustics
maconda News August 2018
maconda advised the pan-European private equity firm Argos Wityu on its majority investment in aktivoptik, one of Germany’s leading optician and acoustician chains, as part of a succession. maconda prepared the transaction with a comprehensive Commercial Due Diligence, in which the Cologne-based consultants contributed their many years of expertise in retail, ophthalmology, and the hearing acoustics sector.
The mid-sized, family-oriented company is Germany’s fifth-largest optician and acoustician chain, with a network of 76 branches and revenues of approximately 50 million euros (2017). The majority of branches are located in hypermarkets, which contributes to high customer frequency and regular customer contact. Further advantages include longer opening hours and mostly free parking. The company’s success is based not only on its good value for money but also on the high quality of its products and consulting, as well as a strong, family-like corporate culture.
As part of the Commercial Due Diligence, maconda evaluated current developments in the optician industry, primarily the increasing acquisitions of independent and chain opticians, the gradual convergence of optics and acoustics, and the access to and retention of skilled professionals.
In this context, aktivoptik’s unique market position within the fragmented provider landscape was analyzed. For this, we examined the fundamental structure of the industry, consisting of large well-known optician chains, independent opticians, and small to mid-sized chains, which are often the “local heroes” in their region. To validate the special location and sales concept in hypermarkets, we compared the sales strategies, target groups, and locations of larger chains and conducted targeted interviews with market insiders as well as numerous store checks.
The work was completed with a detailed evaluation of aktivoptik’s branch network and growth prospects, the latter based on a strategy workshop with management. The closing of the transaction is still subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities.
maconda further expands its expertise in ophthalmology and the optician industry
In recent years, the maconda team has intensively dealt with various healthcare topics, including ophthalmology and the optician industry, and successfully completed several projects. These included multiple investment checks and Commercial Due Diligence reviews, as well as strategy and M&A-related engagements.
Extensive industry experience: Eyeglasses | Contact lenses | Optician chains with company-owned and franchise stores with different target groups and locations | Intraocular lenses | Eye clinics | Eye laser centers | Hearing aid chains | Hearing aids