OC VISION, the largest vision care company in the Baltics, has successfully raised EUR 10 million through its first public bond offering with a fixed annual coupon rate of 6%. Total demand for the secured bonds reached EUR 13.1 million, oversubscribed by more than 130%.
The offering attracted interest from both retail and institutional investors across four countries – Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Germany. In terms of investment volume, institutional investors highly appreciated the stable and sustainable perspective of the healthcare sector represented by the company.
Approximately 95% of the demand from investors came from Latvia, with the rest originating from Lithuania, Estonia and Germany. This reflects a strong signal of both the growing retail investor community in Latvia and the increasing level of financial literacy among the population, encouraging more individuals to invest their available funds in bonds.
Gatis Kokins, Board Member and co-owner of OC VISION, comments: “We are pleased with the successful completion of our first bond issue and deeply value the trust shown by investors. We sincerely thank every investor for choosing to support the future development of OC VISION. Our growth model is based on expanding our store network, acquiring strategic businesses and modernising vision care technologies. The funding raised will not only refinance existing liabilities, but also ensure clients’ access to quality vision and hearing care services and the newest technologies across the Baltic.”
Edmunds Antufjevs, Head of Investment Banking at Signet Bank AS, notes: “Strong investor interest in the offering – especially in the context of current exceptionally active bond issuance environment in the Baltic capital markets – highlights both the appeal of the healthcare sector and confidence in OC VISION as a regional leader. We were pleased to support OC VISION with a debut on capital markets and provide investors with access to a well-balanced investment opportunity in a stable and socially important sector.”
As the bond offering was oversubscribed, the issuer decided to allocate the full amount to all the retail investors, while the remainder was distributed among institutional investors.
Retail investor interest was driven not only by market conditions and the sector’s long-term potential, but also due to the Investor Loyalty Programme as part of the offering. Investors who subscribed from EUR 500 and above are eligible to participate in the exclusive Investor Loyalty Programme, which features three reward tiers – VISIONARY Bronze, Silver and Gold. Registration for the programme for retail investors will be available via https://ocvision.eu/en/investors/ starting 1 July 2025 and will remain open for three months, until 30 September 2025 at 23:59.
Following the issuance, OC VISION will submit an application to list the bonds on Nasdaq Riga’s First North market. The first trading day on Nasdaq Baltic First North is expected to take place on 30 June 2025.
Settlement of the bonds will take place on 20 June 2025. Bondholders will receive quarterly coupon payout, with the first coupon payment scheduled for 20 September 2025.
The offering is organised by Signet Bank AS, a leading Latvian investment bank. Legal advisory services are provided by TGS Baltic, and the collateral agent is Sorainen ZAB.
About OC VISION
Operating since 1991 OC VISION is a major player in the optical market, providing vision care across 50 retail locations in Latvia and 27 in Lithuania through such store brands as Vision Express, OptiO, and VIZIONETTE. The Group is also expanding its e-commerce footprint through Dr. Lensor, active across the Baltics and now growing in Northern Europe. Additionally, Opptica serves as a reliable wholesale and service partner for optical goods and ophthalmic equipment, supporting eye care and medical professionals throughout the region.
On 25 March 2025, the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) approved the investment project application No. 1.2.1.3/1/25/A/001 “Attracting Capital Market Financing for SIA OC VISION to Enhance International Competitiveness and Investment in Development and Innovation.” The project aims to raise financing through the capital market. The total eligible project costs are €266,866.56, including €102,000.00 in ERDF support and €18,000.00 in national co-financing.