Europe
United States
Cobepa sells its stake in Optelec
Having transformed Optelec into one of the global leaders in the low vision market, Cobepa, NPM Capital and management have sold the company to Vector Capital.
Optelec is a leading global distributor, designer and manufacturer of life-changing assistive technologies for people who are visually impaired and blind. Optelec is headquartered in Barendrecht, the Netherlands with offices in the US, Belgium, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom, offering multi-tier distribution in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Under its new ownership, Optelec will merge with Freedom Scientific to create the world's largest assistive technology provider for the visually impaired. The two companies have a long history of providing innovative technology solutions that enable blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential - to gain an education, obtain employment, succeed in professional careers, and live independently throughout their lives.
Cobepa has been a stable and supportive shareholder in Optelec since 1997. Since that time, the organisation has developed significantly and realised solid growth, including through acquisitions.