Lensar Stock Slumps After Hours On Ending Merger Deal With Alcon Over FTC Pushback

Lensar said that its deal with Alcon is unlikely to receive necessary regulatory approvals in the U.S. by April 23 or even by July 23.

• Lensar said in a statement that it is disappointed with the outcome and the Federal Trade Commission's intent to challenge the deal.
• Alcon agreed to acquire LENSAR in March 2025 for a total potential consideration of up to $16.75 per share.
• Lensar, despite the termination, will retain the $10.0 million deposit contemplated by the merger agreement, it said.

Shares of LENSAR, Inc. (NSR) slumped 24% after hours on Monday after the company terminated its merger agreement with eye care company Alcon Research, LLC (ALC).

The commercial-stage medical device company Lensar said on Monday that the company decided to terminate the deal after the two companies concluded that it is in the best interest of both. Lensar further added that the deal is unlikely to receive necessary regulatory approvals in the U.S. by April 23 or even by an extended deadline of July 23.

Lensar said in a statement that it is disappointed with the outcome and the Federal Trade Commission's intent to challenge the deal.

The Deal That Fell Through

Alcon agreed to acquire LENSAR in March 2025 for a total potential consideration of up to $16.75 per share. This included an upfront payment of $14 per share in cash and an additional non-tradeable contingent value right offering up to $2.75 per share in cash. Alcon then said that the transaction is anticipated to close in mid-to-late 2025.

However, last month Lensar said that it now expects the transaction to close only by the first half of 2026 as the two companies continue to cater to the FTC’s demand for additional information pertaining to the acquisition.

“...the delay and associated costs of this extended regulatory review, which began nearly a year ago, has rendered the transaction unattractive to pursue further in light of the Federal Trade Commission’s opposition,” said Alcon CEO David J. Endicott. Lensar, however, will retain the $10.0 million deposit contemplated by the merger agreement, it said.

How Did Stocktwits Users React?

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around LNSR stock stayed within the ‘bullish’ territory while sentiment around ALC remained ‘neutral’.

LNSR stock has dropped 34% over the past 12 months while ALC shares fell 13%. 

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