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STAAR Surgical Announces Preliminary Results of Special Meeting of Stockholders STAAR Intends to Terminate Alcon Merger Agreement

Key Takeaway: STAAR Surgical Company announced preliminary results indicating that the necessary stockholder votes to approve its merger agreement with Alcon were not received. As a result, STAAR intends to terminate the agreement and will remain a publicly traded company under the ticker symbol STAA. CEO Stephen Farrell expressed respect for the vote's outcome and commitment to working with stockholders to enhance STAAR's performance as an independent entity, underscoring the company's focus on maximizing stockholder value.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • STAAR intends to remain a standalone company after the termination of the merger.
  • CEO Stephen Farrell emphasizes commitment to maximizing stockholder value.
  • STAAR's innovative EVO ICL technology continues to be positioned as best in class.

CONCERNS & RISKS

  • The merger agreement with Alcon did not receive the necessary stockholder votes.
  • The inability to finalize the merger may pose challenges for strategic growth.

Full Press Release Details

STAAR Surgical Announces Preliminary Results of Special Meeting of Stockholders
STAAR Intends to Terminate Alcon Merger Agreement
LAKE FOREST, CA, January 6, 2026 - STAAR Surgical Company (NASDAQ: STAA) ("STAAR"), the global leader in phakic
IOLs with the EVO family of Implantable Collamer Lenses (EVO ICL ) for vision correction, announced that based on preliminary
estimates by STAAR's proxy solicitor, STAAR did not receive the necessary stockholder votes to approve the merger agreement with Alcon at the Special Meeting of Stockholders held today.
STAAR intends to terminate its merger agreement with Alcon. No termination fee will be payable by either party, and STAAR will remain a standalone, publicly
traded company and continue to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "STAA."
Stephen Farrell, CEO of STAAR, said, "The Board approved
the Alcon agreement because we determined that it was in the best interests of STAAR stockholders. We respect the outcome of the vote and look forward to working collaboratively with shareholders to ensure the best possible outcome for STAAR as a
stand-alone company."
Mr. Farrell continued, "We remain committed to maximizing stockholder value and realizing the full potential of
STAAR's innovative technology. STAAR has a dedicated and loyal team that will compete successfully, and our EVO ICL technology is best in class. In the short term, we will continue to prioritize profitable sales growth while we drive
efficiencies through our distribution network. Our EVO ICL technology should be used more extensively worldwide, and it is our mission to achieve that objective."
The final certified results from the Special Meeting will be reported in a Form 8-K filed by STAAR with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission.
About STAAR Surgical
STAAR Surgical (NASDAQ: STAA) is the global leader in implantable phakic intraocular lenses, a vision correction solution that reduces or eliminates the need
for glasses or contact lenses. Since 1982, STAAR has been dedicated solely to ophthalmic surgery, and for 30 years, STAAR has been designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing advanced Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs), using its proprietary biocompatible Collamer material. STAAR ICLs are clinically-proven to deliver safe long-term vision correction without removing corneal tissue or the
crystalline lens. Its EVO ICL product line provides visual freedom through a quick, minimally invasive procedure. STAAR has sold more
than 3 million ICLs in over 75 countries. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, the company operates research, development, manufacturing, and packaging facilities in California and Switzerland. For more information about ICL, visit
www.EVOICL.com. To learn more about STAAR, visit www.staar.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What did STAAR announce on January 6, 2026?

STAAR announced they did not receive enough votes to approve the Alcon merger.

What is STAAR's plan regarding the Alcon merger?

STAAR intends to terminate the merger agreement with Alcon.

Will there be a termination fee for the Alcon merger?

No termination fee will be payable by either STAAR or Alcon.

How will STAAR operate after the merger termination?

STAAR will remain a publicly traded company on Nasdaq under 'STAA.'

What is STAAR's primary focus going forward?

STAAR aims to maximize stockholder value and expand the use of its EVO ICL technology.

Last updated: Jan 6, 2026