SOUTHLAKE, Texas – October 1, 2014 – Insight Equity Holdings LLC (“Insight Equity”), the Southlake, Texas headquartered private equity firm, is pleased to announce the sale of its portfolio company, Vision-Ease Lens (“Vision-Ease”), to Wind Point Partners, a Chicago based private equity firm.
Headquartered in Ramsey, Minnesota, Vision-Ease is a manufacturer of prescription eyeglass lenses whose products are sold primarily through retailers and independent eye care professionals around the world.
"We are very proud of what we have accomplished together with the Vision-Ease management team and our partners at Rosewood,” commented Ted Beneski, CEO and Managing Partner of Insight Equity. “Through our collaboration, the company has improved its manufacturing yield; improved its mix of innovative polarized and photochromic products; and expanded its international footprint during our ownership.”
Victor Vescovo, COO and Managing Partner, added “Insight's operationally-intensive approach, along with some significant capital projects implemented by management over the years, helped rebuild Vision-Ease Lens over time. The firm was initially acquired as part of a bankruptcy liquidation of its then-parent company, BMC Industries, but has now become a successful, independent firm and success story.”
About Vision-Ease Lens
Vision-Ease Lens, founded in 1930, is a supplier of optical lenses both in North America and other parts of the world. The company manufactures many different styles of lenses in polycarbonate, plastic, and glass materials. Vision-Ease was among the first to develop and commercialize prescription polycarbonate lenses and holds numerous patents on polycarbonate products and manufacturing processes. Vision-Ease Lens has production facilities in Ramsey, Minnesota, Jakarta, Indonesia, and Thailand, as well as distribution facilities in Ramsey, Minnesota; Toronto, Canada; and London, England. The firm employs more than 1,000 employees worldwide.
About Insight Equity
Insight Equity makes controlling investments in strategically viable, middle market, asset intensive companies across a wide range of industries. Insight Equity specializes in partnering with companies in complex and challenging situations, including corporate divestitures, aggressive growth opportunities, restructurings, and transitions from private family ownership. The firm leverages a proven, collaborative value creation model to facilitate operating enhancements and growth. Please be aware that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Insight Equity’s headquarters is located near the Dallas / Ft. Worth International Airport in Southlake, Texas. The firm also has an office in New York City.