Acomon

business model: ACOMON is a leader in the development and production of optical monomers, which serve as the basic material for the manufacture of high-quality plastic spectacle lenses and lenses. The company employs around 40 people and, in addition to its headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, operates two other production sites in Ravenna, Italy, and Pasadena, USA. There are also sales offices in Singapore and France.

Investment consideration: ACOMON’s target market is highly attractive, as various global trends are driving long-term demand. Examples of this are the increasing population worldwide, demographic ageing in developed countries, shorter replacement cycles for spectacles, particularly in developing countries, and the general tendency to replace existing glass lenses with plastic lenses. The nature of the market also guarantees a certain degree of economic resilience and stable growth rates in the future. With a market share of around 45%, ACOMON produced in a duopolistic market segment that comprises approximately 55% of all plastic lenses worldwide. The materials on offer were characterized above all by their outstanding optical properties and versatility.

Increase in value: As part of a complex carve-out transaction, ACOMON was successfully separated from Chemtura Corporation and ACOMON AG was established as an independent company based in Zug, Switzerland. The existing management team was strengthened by a new CEO, whose extensive catalog of measures for a long-term increase in the company’s value, primarily through product innovations, was reflected in strong growth rates.

Exit: In 2011, AUCTUS and the management team also involved successfully sold 100% of the shares in ACOMON to the listed global chemicals group Mitsui Chemical Inc. sell.