PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Health insurer Highmark said it completed its acquisition of Viva International Group,  the privately held eyewear manufacturer based in Somerville, N.J.  Financial terms were not disclosed.

Highmark's agreement to acquire the company was announced in December 2004.  The finalization of the transaction "enhances Highmark's position in the health care specialty business, making it one of the largest fully integrated visioncare providers in the nation," the company said in its statement.

Kenneth Melani, MD, Highmark president and chief executive officer, said,  "Viva's well-established brands, quality products and exceptional customer service are a perfect complement to Highmark's existing vision subsidiary businesses. Adding the Viva Group to the Highmark family gives us broadened capabilities in the vision arena and solidifies our leadership position in the national managed visioncare market." Highmark also owns Davis Vision, a leading U.S. managed care player.

"Our associates in the United States and worldwide look forward to our new business relationship with Highmark," said Mitchell Barkley, Viva International Group president and chief executive officer. "We are proud to be a part of a company like Highmark, and we have great expectations as we help expand Highmark's vision business portfolio."

Viva will operate as a separate company within the Highmark group, Barkley told VM. Harvey Ross, Viva's founder and chairman, "will remain as a consultant to the company for a period of several years."