FORT LAUDERDALE--Last month ABB Optical acquired the contact-lens distribution business of Wise Optical of Yonkers, N.Y. The combined company becomes the largest CL distributor in the U.S., according to ABB, with projected annual revenues of $150 million and an active customer base of approximately 12,000.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

ABB chief executive officer Angel Alvarez said the Wise acquisition will enable ABB to further upgrade its order-processing automation, to broaden Internet access and to expand its inventory, currently estimated to total one million boxes. “These enhancements will improve product fill rates and delivery performance. When our customers deliver lenses faster to patients, they are more likely to be satisfied and loyal,” said Alvarez.

With a combined sales force of more than 30 reps, ABB plans to expand the scope of its consultation services to help independent practices structure their contact-lens business, the company said.

Wise Optical accounts should continue to place orders through Wise customer-service representatives, the ABB announcement said; orders will be fulfilled from the Yonkers distribution center.

ABB estimates that ABB and Wise combined will service more than 40 percent of the nation’s independent eyecare professionals.

“We intend to continue to lead the way within the distributor channel with 21st century distribution technology and sophisticated management advice,” said Alvarez, who founded ABB in 1989 when he acquired Co-optics of Pompano Beach, Fla. Added Alvarez, “Our size enables us to invest in the future of independent eyecare, which is our future.”

Wise Optical was part of OptiCare Health Services’ (Amex: OPT) distribution division until January, when Wise was purchased by former OptiCare chief executive officer Dean Yimoyines, MD. ABB acquired Wise from Yimoyines.