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for a specific prescription and to fit an individual face, and
are assembled by retail optical shops. In contrast, sunglasses
have noncorrective lenses, are tailored to fit a standard face,
and are assembled prior to reaching the retailers. B&L discon-
tinued its prescription eyeglasses product line during 1981. As
of 1987, B&L performed manufacturing or marketing operations in
25 countries and its products were distributed in over 70 coun-
tries.
B&L began manufacturing and selling soft contact lenses
during 1971. Prior to 1980, B&L's only manufacturing facility
that had the ability to produce soft contact lenses using the
spin cast process was located in Rochester (Rochester facility).
B&L determined that it was prudent to establish additional soft
contact lens manufacturing capacity overseas in order to minimize
regulatory delays, establish an alternative supply source to the
Rochester facility, and have a facility capable of more effi-
ciently serving the increasingly important European markets.
Because of incentives, including tax benefits, offered by the
Government of the Republic of Ireland (Ireland) to induce com-
panies to establish manufacturing facilities in Ireland, it was
determined that B&L could realize those objectives most cost
effectively in Ireland. Accordingly, for valid business reasons,
on February 1, 1980, B&L Ireland was incorporated under the laws
of Ireland to manufacture contact lenses. B&L Ireland's contact
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