Houlihan Lokey Advises The Walman Optical Company

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that The Walman Optical Company (Walman) has been acquired by EssilorLuxottica. The transaction closed on February 28, 2022.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Walman is a leading optical lab partner to eye care professionals (ECPs) across North America. Walman serves a highly recurring customer base through its network of 35 facilities in the U.S., including prescription lens surfacing and finishing labs, and hubs for the distribution of ophthalmic instruments, frames, and other vision care products.

Walman is a family of optical companies with a 100+ year history of excellent relationships built on enduring trust and added value. Each of their businesses is guided by the same core principles and single vision: to be the most trusted business partner in the industry. As part of EssilorLuxottica, Walman will continue to serve the market under the Walman brand, delivering the same customer intimacy, service, and solutions their customers have come to expect.

Headquartered in Charenton-le-Pont, France, EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames, and sunglasses, with a mission to help people around the world see more, be more, and live life to its fullest by addressing their evolving vision needs and personal style aspirations.

Formed in 2018, EssilorLuxottica brings together the complementary expertise of two industry pioneers, one in advanced lens technology and the other in the craftsmanship of iconic eyewear, to set new industry standards for vision care and the consumer experience around it. Influential eyewear brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley, lens technology brands such as Varilux and Transitions, and world-class retail brands such as Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters are part of the EssilorLuxottica family.

Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to the special committee of the Walman board of directors and assisted in initiating, structuring, and negotiating the transaction on the company’s behalf. This deal demonstrates the successful collaboration across Houlihan Lokey’s Corporate Finance and Financial and Valuation Advisory businesses and underscores the firm’s market-leading position as a premier advisor to industrial, healthcare, and employee-owned businesses.