Thales announces today the signature by
Thales Alenia Space of a definitive
agreement to acquire RUAG’s
opto-electronics business line. The
transaction is subject to the usual
closing conditions, and should be
finalized by the end of the year.
Based in Zürich, RUAG’s opto-electronics
and instruments product unit is
specialized in scientific satellite
instruments and in equipment for optical
communications in space. The entity
employs 75 people and recorded sales of
18 million Swiss francs in 2015 (16.6
million euros).
Thanks to this acquisition, Thales
Alenia Space will both expand its
European footprint and enhance the
solutions it offers for today’s science,
earth observation and telecommunications
markets.
The acquisition reflects Thales Alenia
Space’s development strategy in Europe,
especially in countries that have shown
an active and growing interest in the
space sector, backed by investments. It
will address both domestic and European
government markets, and will also become
an integral part of Thales Alenia
Space’s export solutions. Thales Alenia
Space’s latest acquisition follows the
company’s opening of a plant in Germany
in 2011, an expanded presence in Belgium
with a new facility in Leuven in 2014,
and the creation of a subsidiary in the
United Kingdom in 2014 as well.
Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales,
said: “this targeted acquisition is
another illustration of Thales’s growth
strategy. The unique expertise of RUAG’s
opto-electronic business unit
strengthens Thales Alenia Space’s
product portfolio in the earth
observation segment, and opens new
opportunities in telecommunications and
science.”
“It is our strategic goal to be the
leading supplier of space products to
the industry. We focus on Space
structures, mechanisms,
digital-electronics and high-frequency
products. I am happy that we found with
Thales Alenia Space a world class
company giving this business a
prosperous future”, said Peter
Guggenbach, CEO RUAG Space. |
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