4
October
2010
Astrium,
will
acquire
Jena-Optronik,
a
German
specialist
in
space
sensors
and
optical
systems.
Jena-Optronik
is a
leading
company
in
the
development
of
attitude
sensors
as
well
as
space-based
optics
for
a
variety
of
different
platforms,
including
Earth
observation
(EO)
satellites,
and
the
laser
guidance
system
for
the
European
International
Space
Station
supply
vessel,
ATV.
The
acquisition
of
Jena-Optronik
will
complement
Astrium’s
optical
expertise
in
Germany
and
enhance
its
reputation
in
the
development
and
production
of
sophisticated
Earth
observation
satellites.
Evert
Dudok,
CEO
of
Astrium
Satellites
said:
"The
acquisition
of
Jena-Optronik
will
ensure
that
Astrium
continues
to
provide
our
institutional
and
commercial
customers
with
a
variety
of
high-quality
optical
systems
and
meet
the
growing
demand
for
advanced
EO
satellites.
The
German
government
invests
considerably
in
observation
satellites
and
we
are
proud
to
further
develop
our
industrial
competences
in
this
field."
Once
the
necessary
approvals
are
obtained
from
the
relevant
antitrust
authorities,
Jena-Optronik
GmbH
will
be
owned
by
Astrium
GmbH,
but
will
remain
an
independent
German
company
with
its
individual
brand,
whilst
benefitting
from
greater
resources
to
support
the
company’s
growth.
Astrium
will
benefit
from
enhanced
access
to
cutting-edge
optical
technology,
enabling
the
company
to
remain
at
the
forefront
in
developing
sophisticated
optical
sensors
and
instruments.
