Essilor, Hoya Said to Weigh Bids for Lens Maker Rodenstock

Essilor International SA, the world’s biggest eyeglass lens producer, and Hoya Corp. are among suitors weighing bids for German rival Rodenstock GmbH, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The companies have held informal talks with advisers about potential offers for Rodenstock, which may fetch at least 500 million euros ($557 million), according to the people. Neither has made a final decision to bid, as Essilor is considering potential antitrust hurdles to any acquisition and Tokyo-based Hoya is wary of overpaying for the company, they said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.