Abbott announced that it will sell Abbott Medical Optics, its vision care business, to Johnson & Johnson for
$4.325 billion in cash.
"We've been actively and strategically shaping our portfolio, which has recently focused on developing leadership
positions in cardiovascular devices and expanding diagnostics," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive
officer, Abbott. "Our vision care business will be well-positioned for continued success and advancement with Johnson
& Johnson, and I'd like to thank our employees for building a successful business."
Abbott's vision business has products in areas including cataract surgery, laser vision correction (LASIK) and
corneal care products (contact solution, eye drops, etc.).
The net impact of this transaction is not expected to impact Abbott's overall targeted ongoing earnings per share in
2017. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.