Eargo Completes Merger with hearX, Creating LXE Hearing

Deal News | Mar 31, 2025 | Ropes & Gray

Eargo has successfully merged with hearX, a strategic move resulting in the formation of a new entity called LXE Hearing. The merger, advised by Ropes & Gray, combines the strengths of Eargo and hearX (maker of Lexie hearing aids) to create a new force in the over-the-counter hearing aid industry. Announced on March 31, this transaction represents a significant development in the market following the FDA's establishment of an OTC regulatory category in 2022. Notably, Patient Square Capital has reinforced this merger with a $100 million investment, a clear indication of confidence in the combined company’s prospects. LXE Hearing will leverage the established consumer brands of Eargo and Lexie Hearing under one operational umbrella, solidifying its position in the hearing health market. Patient Square Capital, a dedicated health care investment firm, supports this venture with its considerable financial resources, highlighted by its management of $12 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024. Key individuals from Ropes & Gray’s team provided specialized legal advice across various domains including private equity, mergers and acquisitions, tax, executive compensation, and intellectual property to ensure the merger's success.

Sectors

  • Healthcare
  • Finance
  • Legal Services

Geography

  • United States – The merger and the formation of LXE Hearing have significant implications for the U.S. OTC hearing aid market.

Industry

  • Healthcare – The merger creates LXE Hearing, a company in the hearing health and over-the-counter hearing aid market.
  • Finance – The transaction involves significant private equity investment and financial advisory roles.
  • Legal Services – Ropes & Gray provided comprehensive legal advice on the merger, involving multiple aspects of corporate law.

Financials

  • $100 million – Investment amount provided by Patient Square Capital to support the merger and formation of LXE Hearing.
  • $12 billion – The amount of assets under management by Patient Square Capital as of December 31, 2024.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
EargoTarget CompanyCompanyEargo is a consumer hearing aid company and a key player in the merger forming LXE Hearing.
hearXTarget CompanyCompanyhearX is the maker of Lexie hearing aids and a key player in the merger forming LXE Hearing.
Patient Square CapitalInvestorCompanyA healthcare investment firm providing a $100 million investment to back the merger.
Ropes & GrayLegal AdvisorCompanyAdvised Eargo and Patient Square Capital on the merger.
Jay FreedmanPrivate Equity PartnerPersonKey advisor in the merger at Ropes & Gray.
Thomas FraserM&A PartnerPersonMergers and acquisitions partner at Ropes & Gray involved in the transaction.
Benjamin RogersTax PartnerPersonProvided tax-related advice for the merger.
Kyle HigleyExecutive Compensation & Employee Benefits PartnerPersonHandled executive compensation and benefits issues for the merger.
Alex ZeltserFinance PartnerPersonFinance partner at Ropes & Gray providing financial advisory services.
Georgina SuzukiIP Transactions CounselPersonAdvised on intellectual property transactions for the merger.
Marisa CoronaPrivate Equity AssociatePersonPrivate Equity Associate at Ropes & Gray involved in the merger.