Article

Superior Vision and Block Vision Announce Agreement to Combine Companies

Combination to create one of the largest independent vision benefits providers delivering vision and eye health services to employer group and health plan markets
Rancho Cordova, CA, and Linthicum, MD

Superior Vision and Block Vision, both leaders in managed vision care, today announced the signing of an agreement to combine their businesses.

“The combination of Superior Vision and Block Vision brings together two vision benefit industry leaders with a history of strength in their target segments,” said Kirk Rothrock, President, Superior Vision. “The end result is a comprehensive eye care company with member-centric solutions for the commercial, Medicare and Medicaid markets, encompassing the full range of wellness vision and medical-surgical eye care programs. Our collective history of providing excellent service makes this a terrific partnership and a win for all of our constituencies, including our client and provider partners.”

The combined company will provide vision benefit plans to more than 8.5 million members nationwide, and a provider network surpassing 55,000 access points. Together, Superior Vision and Block Vision will offer vision benefit and medical eye care programs to employer groups, health plans and direct to consumer.

“We are excited at the opportunity to join forces with a company that so closely matches our philosophy of being focused solely on vision and eye health,” said Andrew Alcorn, President and CEO, Block Vision. “We are both successful companies today. Together we will create a company that is well-positioned to deliver the vision and eye health services that millions of Americans need through a variety of established and emerging delivery mechanisms.”

Superior Vision and Block Vision will join management forces and service delivery to create an entity that will respond well to the varying presence of vision benefits within the Affordable Care Act and related public and private exchanges. Flexibility, choice, and access are the hallmarks of both companies.

“We are establishing a powerful company that leverages our complementary distribution, operational strengths and expertise,” said Rick Corbett, CEO, Superior Vision. “At the same time, our combined provider networks create unparalleled member access to ophthalmologists, optometrists, and retail optical centers in the delivery of vision and eye care services. Ease of access is critical for successful benefits usage,” Corbett added.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed within the next few months.

For more information about Superior Vision and Block Vision, please visit www.superiorvision.com and www.blockvision.com.

About Superior Vision

Superior Vision, headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California, has been a leader in the managed vision care benefits market since 1993. Superior Vision provides vision plans in a variety of sectors – including public, private, education, and associations – across a variety of industries. With an unrivaled provider network of ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and optical retail chain locations, and award-winning customer service, our members are our mission and highest priority. For more information, visit Superior Vision online at www.superiorvision.com.

About Block Vision

Block Vision, headquartered in Linthicum, Maryland, is a specialty health benefits company that manages all levels of vision and eye care benefits, ranging from wellness vision plans to comprehensive eye care programs that include management of medical and surgical eye care services.  As an industry leader with more than 20 years’ experience, our top priority is delivering high-quality service and outstanding value to our clients, members and participating providers.  For more information, visit Block Vision online at www.blockvision.com.

Superior Vision’s social media presence can be found at:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SuperiorVisionServices 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/superior_vision
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/superior-vision-services

Certain statements about Nautic made by portfolio company executives herein are intended to illustrate Nautic’s business relationship with such persons, including with respect to Nautic’s facilities as a business partner, rather than Nautic’s capabilities or expertise with respect to investment advisory services. Portfolio company executives were not compensated in connection with their participation, although they generally receive compensation and investment opportunities in connection with their portfolio company roles, and in certain cases are also owners of portfolio company securities and/or investors in Nautic-sponsored vehicles. Such compensation and investments subject participants to potential conflicts of interest in making the statements herein.