FTC blocks Alcon’s $1.5B deal to buy LENSAR, ending merger.

LENSAR, Inc. and Alcon Research, LLC have terminated their merger agreement following opposition from the Federal Trade Commission, which raised concerns about potential competition impacts in the eye care market. The companies confirmed the termination on March 16, 2026, ending plans for Alcon to acquire LENSAR, a developer of advanced cataract surgery technology. No further details on the reasons for the FTC’s opposition were disclosed.