Cedar Rapids, IA--Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) has reached a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary Kaiser Optical Systems (Ann Arbor, MI), a manufacturer of spectrographic instrumentation and applied holographic technology, to Swiss company Endress+Hauser (Reinach, Switzerland). Terms of the agreement are undisclosed. The sale is expected to be completed in early fiscal 2014 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
"This divestiture is part of an overall strategy to accelerate our focus on growth opportunities in our addressed markets," said Rockwell Collins CEO and president Kelly Ortberg. "Kaiser Optical also benefits by joining an organization that concentrates on the primary industries it serves."
Kaiser Optical Systems became a Rockwell Collins company in 2000 as part of the company’s purchase of K Systems, the parent company of Kaiser Aerospace and Electronics. Principal products include Raman sensors and instrumentation, advanced holographic components for spectroscopy, telecommunications, astronomy, and ultrafast sciences, and components for aircraft display systems. These products and services are deployed in diverse applications that include defense, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, nanotechnology, telecommunications, and education.
"With the acquisition of Kaiser Optical Systems, we are expanding our range in the field of advanced analytics for liquids, gases and solids. In addition, we are strengthening our optical technology and manufacturing competence," said Endress+Hauser CEO Klaus Endress, who emphasized the strategic dimension of the acquisition. "The Raman technology enlarges our offering for customers in core industries."
Kaiser Optical Systems' revenues are reported as part of Rockwell Collins Government Systems avionics business, and represent less than one percent of the company's total revenue.
Endress+Hauser is a global leader in measurement instrumentation, services and solutions for industrial process engineering. The group provides sensors, instruments, systems and services for level, flow, pressure and temperature measurement, analytics and data acquisition and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide, generating net sales of $2.25 billion dollars in 2012.
Rockwell Collins develops and deploys communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Its expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by approximately 19,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries.
SOURCE: Rockwell Collins; http://www.rockwellcollins.com/sitecore/content/Data/News/2013_Cal_Yr/RC/FY13RCNR37-KaiserOptical.aspx