Vector Capital has combined portfolio companies Freedom Scientific and Optelec 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, President and 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 recognised screen reading software, JAWS®for Windows.”
“Our employees are energised 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,” says Maarten Bosch, CEO of Optelec.
“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,” says 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 realisation of all the anticipated customer benefits.
