TRW Acquires Cutting Edge Optronics

In a bid to become a high-volume supplier of solid-state lasers, TRW (Redondo Beach, CA)has purchased Cutting Edge Optronics Inc., a privately held, St. Louis, MO, manufacturer of solid-state lasers, related components, and laser diodes, for approximately $19 million in cash plus the assumption of approximately $5 million in debt. The acquisition positions TRW to develop its portfolio of advanced laser technologies in several rapidly growing markets. Cutting Edge brings additional laser technologies and design capabilities, as well as the ability to produce in volume several solid-state laser products. Chief among its products will be extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) light sources. EUV will allow chipmakers to continue shrinking the size and increasing the operating speeds of advanced microcircuits well into the next decade.

Under terms of the agreement, Cutting Edge Optronics will become a wholly owned subsidiary of TRW. It will merge TRW's expertise in high-power, solid-state lasers and EUV light-source technology with Cutting Edge Optronics' low-cost laser design and manufacturing processes, volume production capabilities, and expertise in high-power laser diodes. The new subsidiary will have its headquarters in St. Charles, MO, the site of Cutting Edge Optronics' current facilities. Jeffrey Bairstow, Editor