ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc. (RSTI) today announced that it had signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Nufern as a wholly owned subsidiary of RSTI, in a cash transaction. The transaction is expected to be closed in the first quarter of 2008. Further terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Founded in 2000, Nufern (www.nufern.com) is reportedly the world's largest independent manufacturer of specialty fibers and fiber laser modules serving a wide range of industries. The company's product lines comprise standard fibers and custom fiber solutions, including amplifiers, fiber laser modules for use in materials processing and in the telecommunications, military and defense industries. In June 2007, Nufern launched its first industrial CW fiber laser with an output power of 200 watts. Based in East Granby, Connecticut, Nufern has approximately 70 employees and markets its products globally to a large OEM-customer base through its own sales network, distributors, and the internet.
Nufern will continue to operate as a standalone company and will provide its products to its existing customers including other laser manufacturers.
"This is a very important acquisition for Rofin-Sinar, not only because we are adding new products to our portfolio but also because we are further strengthening our technology base and enhancing the vertical integration needed to economically manufacture fiber lasers," said Gunther Braun, CEO and president of RSTI. "We are confident that the talents and skills of Nufern will contribute to the future success of our Group."
"The entire Nufern team approaches this milestone transaction with excitement and energy. Nufern is proud to team with Rofin, a market leading industrial laser manufacturer, with a strong worldwide presence. This transaction facilitates the maturing of our technologies and will propel and support Nufern in becoming a significant leader in the global fiber laser market," commented Martin Seifert, president of Nufern.
With operational headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan, and Hamburg, Germany, ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc. designs, develops, engineers and manufactures laser sources and laser-based system solutions for a wide range of applications. With production facilities in the US, Germany, UK, Sweden, Finland, Singapore and Japan, ROFIN-SINAR is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of industrial lasers and currently has more than 28,000 laser units installed worldwide and serves more than 3,000 customers.