Empowering Independence(tm)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Freedom Scientific and Optelec Join Forces in Assistive Technology Merger
ST. PETERSBURG, FL and BARENDRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 16, 2015 -
Freedom Scientific and Optelec announced today that the two companies have
merged 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.
"Combining our complementary businesses gives us the broadest portfolio in
the industry and unmatched worldwide distribution and customer support,"
said John Blake, CEO of Freedom Scientific. "The combined company will be
able to offer customers a broad portfolio of well-known brands of video
magnifiers, scanning and reading solutions, refreshable Braille displays,
and the industry's most recognized screen reading software, JAWS(r) for
Windows."
"Our employees are energized by the capability that results from this merger
and we are eager to start working together to deliver market leading
solutions, training and support to the broadest audience of blind and low
vision users," said Maarten Bosch, CEO of Optelec.
Both companies were recently acquired by Vector Capital, a San Francisco
based firm that invests in market leading global technology companies.
"We are excited to bring together two of the industry's leading companies to
create a global, diversified end-to-end technology provider to the
low-vision and blind community," said Andy Fishman, a Managing Director at
Vector Capital. "The combination, integration and platform created will
enable continued investment, support and growth for the combined company."
The combined holding company will retain the individual Freedom and Optelec
brands and product portfolio as the two businesses work on the integration
and realization of all the anticipated customer benefits.
About Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific is a leading worldwide provider of assistive technology
products for those with vision impairments. Freedom Scientific is
headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida with offices in Switzerland. The
Company's products have been translated into 24 languages and are available
in more than 70 countries.
Media Contact:
Brad Davis
Email: info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Phone: (800) 444-4443 / (727) 803-8000
www.FreedomScientific.com
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About Optelec
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.
Media Contact:
Maarten Bosch
Email: info@xxxxxxxxxxx
Phone: +31 88 678444
www.Optelec.com
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About Vector Capital
Vector Capital is a leading global private equity firm with over $2.5
billion under management specializing in transformational investments in
established technology businesses. Vector actively partners with founders
and management teams to devise and execute new financial and business
strategies that materially improve the competitive standing of these
businesses and enhance their value for employees, customers and
shareholders. Among Vector's notable investments are Aladdin Knowledge
Systems, Allegro Development, Cambium Networks, Certara, ChyronHego,
CollabNet, Corel, IPVALUE Management, LANDesk Software, Niku, Gerber
Scientific, RAE Systems, Register.com, Saba Software, SafeNet, Technicolor,
Teletrac, Tidel, Triton Digital, WatchGuard Technologies, and WinZip. For
more information, please visit www.vectorcapital.com
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o9SCp5fTG2IsgDw7jm3X-49pAlIEaAXssAqLGbpEvXKE
AkHZgXnLpNzXgnEzXVjmdQd7gZ33vF50CxDnoLfCIFXojZMhxZcrKkzTqE1ZbUOI8WyIeFK8_pZt
WU-JfKtcKkYYS9xtUAhhy0BYoT6-lq3Pst8CYZgD3Xfaz7pccn4yMSokEn1_cQ==&c=hrbHAmdO0
vq1XKOMcjsPNs24Rsj8RdsW-4dBXFZAkeuOwBnWQtR7_A==&ch=PkIvZpaf0yoYAw_FhD50mQKEB
Hyz-mBINaCqW6FS67Qp67Yzt0kZgg==> .
Media Contact:
Jonathan Gasthalter/John Christiansen
Sard Verbinnen & Co
Phone: (212) 687-8080 / (415) 618-8750
11800 31st Court North, St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1805 | 800-444-4443 |
www.freedomscientific.com
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(c)2015 Freedom Scientific, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Freedom Scientific | 11800 31st Court North | Saint Petersburg | FL |
33716-1805
Robert Acosta, President
Helping Hands for the Blind
(818) 998-0044
www.helpinghands4theblind.org
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Accessible World Team
http://accessibleworld.org
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