Chennai: Chennai-based Appasamy Associates, backed by private equity firm Warburg Pincus, has acquired RUCK GmbH, a German manufacturer of ophthalmic surgical products with more than 40 years of experience, for an undisclosed sum.The acquisition adds RUCK’s specialised phaco-vitrectomy technology, used in cataract and vitreoretinal surgeries, to Appasamy’s portfolio. Headquartered in Eschweiler, Germany, RUCK makes the Qube Pro, Qube and Pentasys surgical systems, which are used by surgeons in Germany and the Benelux region.Appasamy, which makes intraocular lenses (IOLs), surgical systems, diagnostic equipment, lasers and microsurgical instruments, has supplied more than 100 million IOLs worldwide. Its products are available in over 100 countries, according to a statement.The acquisition is expected to strengthen Appasamy’s capabilities in specialised eye surgery and expand access to RUCK’s technology in India and international markets. The company also plans to retain RUCK’s engineering and product development operations in Germany.“We see a clear need in India for a dependable, CE-marked phaco-vitrectomy platform, as well as a gap for credible solutions in this segment globally. RUCK’s Qube Pro addresses both needs,” said Senthil Kumar, CEO of Appasamy.Appasamy manufactures about 5 million IOLs annually. Its flagship hydrophobic IOL brand, SupraPhob®, has sold more than 15 million lenses.Arvind Kasthuri, president of innovation and technology at Appasamy, said the acquisition would deepen the company’s technology portfolio and help expand access to specialised surgical equipment through its network of more than 20,000 ophthalmologists in India.Florian Becker, CEO of RUCK GmbH, said the partnership would support the continued development of the Qube Pro platform and expand its international reach while retaining the company’s engineering expertise in Germany.Founded in 1978, Appasamy has also established medical technology centres of excellence in Denmark and San Francisco.
