Glaukos (GKOS) and Avedro (AVDR) announced that the companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Glaukos will acquire Avedro in an all-stock transaction. The transaction, which is subject to Avedro stockholder approval along with other customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, has been approved by the board of directors of both companies and is expected to be completed in Q4. Under the terms of the merger agreement, for each share of Avedro common stock they own, Avedro shareholders will receive an exchange ratio equivalent of 0.365 shares of Glaukos stock. Based on the parties’ volume weighted average prices for the last 60 trading days prior to August 6, the transaction represents a 42% premium for Avedro shareholders. Upon closing, Glaukos shareholders are expected to own approximately 85% of the combined company, with Avedro shareholders expected to own the remaining 15%. “Avedro generated 66% year-over-year revenue growth in the first half of 2019. Once combined, the addition of Avedro’s fast-growing product portfolio is expected to generate revenue growth acceleration for Glaukos beginning in 2020 and potential revenue synergies beginning in 2021…In addition to the potential for accelerated revenue growth, Glaukos anticipates achieving annualized cost savings in excess of $15 million by 2021, primarily through reduced public company and administrative costs. As such, the company expects the transaction to be accretive to operating results and cash flow by 2021,” the companies said.