ABB Optical Group
ABB Optical Group, LLC (“ABB”), is the nation’s largest contact lens distributor, serving over 23,000 independent eye care professionals (“IECPs”) and retailers. ABB’s industry-leading distribution platform distributes over 700 million contact lenses annually, serving approximately 75% of the IECPs that use distributors. Furthermore, ABB’s deep relationships with the top contact lens manufacturers, best in class distribution capabilities, cost containment efforts, and extensive sales force have enabled ABB to maintain customer retention rates of over 95% historically. ABB is headquartered in Coral Springs, FL and was founded in 1989 by its CEO, Angel Alvarez.
New Mountain identified ABB as part of the firm’s proactive “deep dive” efforts in the specialty distribution and health and wellness sectors. As a result of its expertise in these sectors and the experience of its Senior Advisor industry experts, New Mountain was able to rapidly develop a special relationship with the ABB management team. Management selected New Mountain as their preferred partner and completed the deal on an exclusive negotiated basis.