Nikon Corporation will pay £259m to obtain full control of Scottish eye specialist firm Optos.
The Fife-based company develops eye testing machines which can detect high blood pressure and a number of cancers.
Nikon is publically best known for its cameras but as with a number of technology firms, such as Samsung, IBM, Apple and Microsoft, the Japanese company is looking to move into the medical sector. Nikon said in a statement that this was “important for its long-term growth”.
Kazuo Ushida, the president of Nikon, said: “I am pleased to announce this strategically important transaction for Optos and Nikon. I am confident that an Optos/Nikon combination would create a world-class ‘retina’ player and would significantly benefit our respective stakeholders.
“Together, we will pursue various collaboration opportunities and further expand the medical business in the future.”
Optos’ chairman, Dr Peter Fellner, added: “Following the transaction, Optos will become a key part of Nikon’s future strategy to develop a global medical business and will continue to provide its market-leading solutions to the patients we serve.
“We are therefore pleased to recommend this acquisition to our shareholders.”
In November last year, Optos reported a rise in sales and profits after installing a record number of new products, with revenue increasing by 7% to $170.6m (£109m) in the year to the end of September. Pre-tax profit tax doubled to $18.5m.
