Sofradir (Veurey-Voroize, France), a global developer and manufacturer of advanced infrared (IR) detectors for military, space, and industrial applications, has announced the acquisition of Electrophysics (Fairfield, NJ), a U.S. developer of advanced high-performance IR equipment. Sofradir expects to complete the transaction within 30 days. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate the development of Sofradir and its subsidiary ULIS (Veurey-Voroize, France) in the North American market. It will provide Sofradir and ULIS with a U.S. platform to better serve the North American IR detector and module market, estimated at US$1 billion (approx. Eur 700 million), the largest in the world.
"This strategic foothold will boost Sofradir and ULIS's growth by bringing us closer to customers in the U.S. who will have ready access to our advanced cooled and uncooled IR technologies, known for their performance, reliability and producibility" said Philippe Bensussan, chairman and CEO of Sofradir and chairman of ULIS. "Having a U.S. base of operations will allow us to be more cost competitive and responsive to our customers."
Electrophysics' president Frank Vallese, who will continue to head the U.S. operation said, "We are delighted with this opportunity. It will be a big plus to have Sofradir's talent, technology, and expertise here on North American soil. Sofradir has an exciting product-development roadmap and an established history of delivering high-quality IR detectors. We foresee a wide range of market opportunities in public safety, security, and defense, supplying both OEMs and system integrators."
Sofradir is a global provider of QWIP detectors and cooled IR detectors based on mercury cadmium telluride. Together with ULIS, which specializes in low-cost uncooled amorphous silicon infrared detectors for commercial applications, the company shipped 40,000 IR detectors worldwide this year. The purchase of Electrophysics, founded in 1969, will help it ramp up sales and enhance the service it provides to U.S. customers in the defense, space, and commercial industries.
"By joining the experienced team of 35 at Electrophysics, Sofradir is taking an important step forward to the benefit of the customers of both companies," added Bensussan.
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