Freedom Scientific and Optelec Logos
Empowering Independence™
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® 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
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
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.
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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