About the transaction
BlueBull, the financial advisory firm specialised in advising technology-driven and high-growth businesses in M&A transactions, acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Sherpa Capital on the sale of its portfolio company, Horizons Optical, to Oakley Capital. Oakley Capital has acquired a majority stake in Horizons Optical, alongside CEO Santiago Soler, who will retain a significant share in the business and will continue to lead Horizons.
Founded in Barcelona in 2017, Horizons’ proprietary and patented software is used by independent laboratories around the world to manufacture bespoke, ‘progressive’ lenses that can correct a range of eye conditions including short, mid and far sightedness as well as astigmatism, all in one lens. Lenses manufactured using Horizons’ patented technology are positioned in the highest value-added segments of the optical industry, standing out for their distinctive qualities and outstanding optical performance.
BlueBull acted as financial advisor to Sherpa Capital in the transaction of all available options in order to find the right partner that could support growth and internationalization plan. The support of Oakley Capital will solidify a prominent presence as the leading technology provider for the ophthalmic industry and will help the Company expand its global footprint.
Headquartered in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Horizons Optical is a leading independent technology provider for the ophthalmic industry.
Horizons’ proprietary software technology, allows for highly complex and detailed calculations for the optimal shape of a progressive lens surface, which are then manufactured by specialized laboratories.
Horizons operates in a lens market with strong, long-term growth prospects, while also developing new technologies, including its recently-launched Mimesys virtual reality headset which enables optometrists to accurately measure customers’ eyes in order to produce bespoke lenses.
9
Active patents
+€10M
Lenses produced with Horizon’s tech
+40
Employees
Sherpa Capital is the leading private equity fund manager investing in mid-sized companies seeking to address new strategic, operational, financial or equity challenges.
Sherpa led the spin-off of Horizons from Indo Optical in 2017. The business was established in response to a market need that was identified prompting the company to explore avenues to enhance value creation.
During Sherpa Capital’s investment period, Horizons Optical has experienced significant growth, with the management team playing a pivotal role in this journey and facilitating the firm’s international expansion into markets such as the United States, Asia, and Latin America.
+250M€
AuM
+€40M
Investments
+3M€
Invested in Horizons R&D
"BlueBull's expertise in accurately identifying our company's technological components and strategically positioning such a complex asset was crucial for identifying the right partner and successfully closing the transaction"
Santiago Soler
Founder & CEO Horizons Optical
BlueBull is a leading investment bank with a presence in Southern Europe, specialising in advising technology and high-growth companies with disruptive and innovative business models.
More information
Joaquín Durán
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Alfonso Díaz
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Francisco Navas
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+40
Tech transactions advised
+30
Tech-focused investment banking professionals
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