Pulse Audition Drives EssilorLuxottica's Hearing Innovation
Deal News | Jan 02, 2025 | Globenewswire
EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the optical products industry, has furthered its investment into the hearing solutions market by acquiring the French AI-driven tech startup Pulse Audition. This acquisition is seen as a strategic step in integrating advanced speech enhancement technology with EssilorLuxottica's existing products, particularly focusing on improving solutions for people with hearing impairments. The proprietary AI technology of Pulse Audition, which effectively enhances voice clarity even in noisy environments, will be combined with EssilorLuxottica’s hardware and software assets. The move aligns with EssilorLuxottica’s broader strategy to innovate within the burgeoning category of AI-driven computing platforms, a path initiated with its prior acquisition of Nuance Hearing in 2023. The acquisition underscores EssilorLuxottica's commitment to leveraging AI and big data in its product innovation journey, extending its footprint in Europe.
Sectors
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Optical Products
Geography
- France – Pulse Audition, the acquired startup, is based in France, highlighting the geographic focus of the acquisition.
- Europe – EssilorLuxottica extends its innovation and market footprint in Europe through this strategic acquisition.
Industry
- Technology – The acquisition highlights the technological advancement focus of EssilorLuxottica, particularly within the AI and embedded systems domain.
- Healthcare – EssilorLuxottica is enhancing its healthcare solutions, specifically in the hearing aid sector, with the integration of AI-driven technology.
- Optical Products – As a company traditionally rooted in optics, EssilorLuxottica expands its product horizons by embedding hearing technology into its optical offerings.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EssilorLuxottica | Acquiring Company | Company | A global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, optical equipment, and eyewear. |
| Pulse Audition | Target Company | Company | A French startup specializing in AI-based noise reduction and voice enhancement technologies. |
| Francesco Milleri | CEO | Person | Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica who commented on the strategic direction of the acquisition. |
| Paul du Saillant | Deputy CEO | Person | Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica involved in announcing the acquisition. |