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Thread: Zeiss/sola

  1. #1

    Zeiss/sola

    Zeiss bought Sola. What is the optiboard opinion?

  2. #2
    One of the worst people here
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  3. #3
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    Two very good lens companies. I believe it is a compatible marriage.

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    Good for Zeiss! I think that they really needed to make that move to remain a true player in this ever changing marketplace. I just hope that they(zeiss) continue the support for the independant labs that have held them up for so long!

    Fezz
    :cheers:

  5. #5
    Master OptiBoarder karen's Avatar
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    Me too Fezz, this acquisition gets them a few labs of their own. Sola purchased another one just last week (that coincindentally used to belong to Zeiss) It sure gives them an extensive product line and seriously expands their sales force...
    Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others. -H. Jackson Brown Jr.

    If the only tool you have is a hammer you will approach every problem as though it were a nail

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    sub specie aeternitatis Pete Hanlin's Avatar
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    I'm just glad to see Sola purchased by a lens manufacturer- and not a retailer. I also believe this will be a good marriage of two solid manufacturers...
    Pete Hanlin, ABOM
    Vice President Professional Services
    Essilor of America

    http://linkedin.com/in/pete-hanlin-72a3a74

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    OptiBoard Professional Eddie G's's Avatar
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    Could this mean a larger choice of stock uncut lenses from Zeiss?

    I hope so.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Eddie G's
    Could this mean a larger choice of stock uncut lenses from Zeiss?

    I hope so.
    There's a lot of duplication in the products offered (short progressives particularly) and it's likely that some of those will go the way of the Dodo. There may be an expansion Zeiss' FSV line or they may continue to market under the AO/SOLA brand.

    There are two large and seemingly underutilized manufacturing plants (Mexico and China) that Sola brings to the table. My understanding is that the plant(s) in Mexico are a nightmare but China is ok. Doesn't look good for Mexico in my opinion.

    It'll be interesting to see what Zeiss does with the labs AO/Sola has built and/or acquired in the US, Europe, Australia, Africa and the Middle East (and maybe Asia). It'll be even more interesting to see what happens to the worldwide network of UTMC labs, I wonder what the licensing agreement's terms are in the event of a buyout. That could seriously suck for a whole lot of 'little guys'.

    In any event I certainly hope for the best for all the great people I've known who remain with Sola.

  9. #9
    Just curious, is AO/SOla the same thing or separate? I have always known they were in bed, but does one own the other? I have never cared until now.
    Last edited by mrba; 12-09-2004 at 04:54 AM.

  10. #10
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    The lens side of AO is fully owned by Sola. AO Safety is part of Aearo - a large safety products firm and I think there is a frame group - perhaps sunglasses and military that remains independent.

  11. #11
    Master OptiBoarder
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    Food for thought.....How long until these lens manufacturers decide to start buying up retail outlets, small practices, etc. to furthur distribute their product? Isn't that the next logical step?

    Fezz
    :cheers:

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