Defender Capital Opposes STAAR Surgical's Proposed Sale to Alcon

Rhea-AI Summary

Defender Capital, a long-term shareholder owning approximately 1.5% of STAAR Surgical (NASDAQ: STAA), announced on October 7, 2025 its opposition to the proposed sale of STAAR to Alcon (NYSE: ALC) for $28 per share. Defender said the $28 price significantly undervalues STAAR, noting the STAAR board rejected a prior $58 per share cash offer from Alcon sixteen months earlier. Defender cited recent positive projections and outlook from STAAR management and argued there is no compelling reason to sell at the proposed valuation. Defender described the transaction as ill-advised and said it does not reflect STAAR’s standalone prospects.

Positive

• Management released recent positive projections and outlook
• Defender Capital is a long-term shareholder owning ~1.5% stake

Negative

• Proposed sale price of $28 per share
• Alcon previously offered $58 per share sixteen months earlier

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Defender Capital ("Defender" or "we"), a long-term shareholder of STAAR Surgical Company ("STAAR" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: STAA) owning approximately 1.5% of the Company's outstanding common stock, today issued the following statement outlining its opposition of the proposed acquisition of STAAR by Alcon Inc. ("Alcon") (NYSE: ALC):

We have been significant STAAR shareholders for more than ten years and remain convicted in the significant value of the Company. The proposed sale of STAAR to Alcon for $28 per share significantly undervalues the Company, especially when considering the STAAR Board of Directors' rejection of Alcon's previous offer for $58 per share in cash only sixteen months ago.

With recent positive projections and outlook released by management, we see no compelling reason to sell STAAR at this time. We are disappointed that the Board has pursued this ill-advised transaction at a valuation that does not reflect the prospects of STAAR's business as a standalone company. 

About

Defender Capital, an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor, manages investment accounts – retirement accounts, non-retirement accounts, trusts, corporate accounts, donor-advised funds, etc. – for individuals, families, and corporations.  We take a research driven, long-term approach, investing in U.S. equities.

Contacts

ASC Advisors
Taylor Ingraham
tingraham@ascadvisors.com
203 992 1230

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/defender-capital-opposes-staar-surgicals-proposed-sale-to-alcon-302577240.html

SOURCE Defender Capital

FAQ

What price did Alcon offer to buy STAAR (NASDAQ: STAA)?

Alcon offered $28 per share in the proposed acquisition.

Why is Defender Capital opposing the STAAR sale to Alcon?

Defender says the $28 price significantly undervalues STAAR and contradicts recent positive management projections.

How much of STAAR does Defender Capital own as of October 7, 2025?

Defender reported owning approximately 1.5% of STAAR outstanding common stock.

What earlier offer from Alcon is referenced in the opposition statement?

Defender referenced Alcon’s prior $58 per share cash offer that the STAAR board rejected sixteen months earlier.

When did Defender Capital announce its opposition to the deal?

Defender announced its opposition on October 7, 2025.