[Nfbf-l] Freedom Scientific and Optelec Join Forces in Assistive Technology Merger

[Alan Dicey]

Dear Friends,
Less competition!
Keep those prices for Access Technology high that way!
Both companies were recently acquired by Vector Capital, a San Francisco 
based firm that invests in market leading global technology companies.
Nothing good is going to come from this for Blind People you can bet on 
that!
Empowering IndependenceT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Freedom Scientific and Optelec Join Forces in Assistive Technology Merger
ST. PETERSBURG, FL and BARENDRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 16, 2015 - 
Freedom Scientific and Optelec announced today that the two companies have 
merged to create the world’s largest assistive technology provider for the 
visually impaired. The two companies have a long history of providing 
innovative technology solutions that enable blind and low vision individuals 
to reach their full potential - to gain an education, obtain employment, 
succeed in professional careers, and live independently throughout their 
lives.
"Combining our complementary businesses gives us the broadest portfolio in 
the industry and unmatched worldwide distribution and customer support," 
said John Blake, CEO of Freedom Scientific. "The combined company will be 
able to offer customers a broad portfolio of well known brands of video 
magnifiers, scanning and reading solutions, refreshable Braille displays, 
and the industry’s most recognized screen reading software, JAWS® for 
Windows."
"Our employees are energized by the capability that results from this merger 
and we are eager to start working together to deliver market leading 
solutions, training and support to the broadest audience of blind and low 
vision users," said Maarten Bosch, CEO of Optelec.
Both companies were recently acquired by Vector Capital, a San Francisco 
based firm that invests in market leading global technology companies.
"We are excited to bring together two of the industry’s leading companies to 
create a global, diversified end-to-end technology provider to the 
low-vision and blind community," said Andy Fishman, a Managing Director at 
Vector Capital. "The combination, integration and platform created will 
enable continued investment, support and growth for the combined company."
The combined holding company will retain the individual Freedom and Optelec 
brands and product portfolio as the two businesses work on the integration 
and realization of all the anticipated customer benefits.
About Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific is a leading worldwide provider of assistive technology 
products for those with vision impairments. Freedom Scientific is 
headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida with offices in Switzerland. The 
Company's products have been translated into 24 languages and are available 
in more than 70 countries.
Media Contact:
Brad Davis
Email: info at FreedomScientific.com
Phone: (800) 444-4443 / (727) 803-8000
www.FreedomScientific.com

About Optelec
Optelec is a leading global distributor, designer and manufacturer of 
life-changing assistive technologies for people who are visually impaired 
and blind. Optelec is headquartered in Barendrecht, the Netherlands with 
offices in the US, Belgium, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom, offering 
multi-tier distribution in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Media Contact:
Maarten Bosch
Email: info at Optelec.com
Phone: +31 88 678444
www.Optelec.com
About Vector Capital
Vector Capital is a leading global private equity firm with over $2.5 
billion under management specializing in transformational investments in 
established technology businesses. Vector actively partners with founders 
and management teams to devise and execute new financial and business 
strategies that materially improve the competitive standing of these 
businesses and enhance their value for employees, customers and 
shareholders. Among Vector's notable investments are Aladdin Knowledge 
Systems, Allegro Development, Cambium Networks, Certara, ChyronHego, 
CollabNet, Corel, IPVALUE Management, LANDesk Software, Niku, Gerber 
Scientific, RAE Systems, Register.com, Saba Software, SafeNet, Technicolor, 
Teletrac, Tidel, Triton Digital, WatchGuard Technologies, and WinZip. For 
more information, please visit www.vectorcapital.com.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Gasthalter/John Christiansen
Sard Verbinnen & Co
Phone: (212) 687-8080 / (415) 618-8750


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www.freedomscientific.com
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33716-1805
With Best Regards,
God Bless,
Alan
Plantation, Florida