French ophthalmic lens maker Essilor International (EI.FR) Wednesday said it has signed a share purchase agreement whereby it offered to acquire a significant ownership stake in the share capital of Wholesale Lens Corporation Ltd.

Wholesale Lens Corporation is a Croydon-based wholesaler of ophthalmic lenses.

The agreement is subject to certain standard conditions precedent, including approval by the U.K. competition authorities.

The acquisition is expected to be completed as soon as the approvals have been received.

Wholesale Lens Corporation Ltd had revenue of GBP8.4 million in 2008 and will continue to be run as a standalone business.

Company Web site: www.essilor.com