The Fielmann Group, Germany, has entered into a definitive agreement in which its US subsidiary, Fielmann USA, will acquire 100 percent equity ownership in Shopko Optical, Green Bay, from Monarch Alternative Capital LP.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year.
Shopko Optical operates more than 140 stores across 13 US states and generated $168 million in sales in 2023. Upon closing, Fielmann USA intends to integrate Shopko Optical into its omnichannel platform that, following the completion of the transaction, would serve customers via digital sales channels and more than 220 retail practices across 19 US states, predominantly in the Midwest.
Fielman entered the U.S. market in 2023 by acquiring online eyewear retailer Befitting as well as SVS Vision, an optical retailer that operates 80 stores across nine US states with a market-leading position in Michigan.
Marc Fielmann, CEO of the Fielmann Group said, “Fielmann’s purpose is to help everyone hear and see the beauty in the world. Our acquisition of Shopko Optical is in line with our Vision 2025 growth strategy to expand our business further internationally, particularly in the US market. This acquisition is the next step in our long-term plan to re-define what US consumers can expect of eyecare and eyewear.”
Lukas Ruecker, CEO of Fielmann USA, Inc. said, “Over its 50-year history, the Fielmann Group has helped shape the European eyewear market with its signature customer-centricity. Having integrated recent acquisitions, SVS Vision and Befitting, Fielmann USA today offers a unique omnichannel shopping experience for customers with vision insurance. The addition of Shopko Optical is going to enable us to make affordable quality eyewear and eyecare accessible to more people across the Midwest.”
