Rock Hill, SC - 3D Systems, a provider of laser-based 3D content-to-print solutions, has signed agreements to acquire approximately 80% of Phenix Systems, a provider of direct metal selective laser sintering 3D printers based in Riom, France.
Phenix Systems designs, manufactures and sells proprietary direct metal 3D printers that can print chemically pure fully dense metal and ceramic parts from very fine powders with the granularity of 6 to 9 microns. Materials include stainless steel, tool steel, super alloys, non-ferrous alloys, precious metals, and alumina for a variety of aerospace, automotive and patient specific medical device applications.
The combination of Phenix Systems' unique direct metal technology with 3D Systems' extensive technology portfolio strengthens the company's offerings and immediately positions it at the heart of the fast-growing aerospace, automotive, defense, and patient-specific healthcare manufacturing opportunities. The transaction strengthens the company's selective laser sintering technology platform and is expected to be accretive to the company's non-GAAP earnings in the first full year following the completion of the transaction.
"Our complementary capabilities in advanced manufacturing combined with our effective R&D and extensive marketplace reach and coverage are sure to result in current and future direct metal solutions that will delight our customers," said Avi Reichental, president and CEO, 3D Systems.
"We have watched and admired 3D Systems for many years as they have driven the adoption of 3D content-to-print solutions globally. We believe that now is the right time to combine our efforts to take advantage of the accelerating demand for direct metal production," said François Reymondet, CEO of Phenix Systems www.phenix-systems.com.
This acquisition is expected to close in July 2013. After those conditions are met and the acquisition closes, 3D Systems intends to launch a take-over bid on the remaining 20% of the shares of Phenix Systems, listed on the French stock market (Alternext), followed by a squeeze-out procedure should it reach 95% of the shares or voting rights of Phenix Systems, during the second half of 2013. The maximum price payable by 3D Systems for the 80% block is 13 euros per share.
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