Teledyne completes acquisition of UK optical business in $710m deal

Teledyne Technologies has completed the $710m acquisition of select aerospace and defense electronics businesses from Excelitas Technologies in the US.

The cash deal includes the optical systems business known under the Qioptiq brand based in Denbighshire, North Wales, UK, as well as the US-based advanced electronic systems business. This will be integrated into the Teledyne Aerospace and Defense Electronics segment and operate under the name Teledyne Qioptiq.

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Qioptiq was established in 2005 as a spin-off from Thales High-Tech Optics and acquired Linos in 2009 before joining Excelitas Technologies in 2013. The UK-based optical systems business provides advanced optics for heads-up and helmet-mounted displays, dismounted tactical night vision systems and proprietary glass used in space and satellite applications. In the US, the advanced electronics business provides custom energetics, including electronic safe & arm devices, high-voltage semiconductor switches and rubidium frequency standards for defence and space applications.

Qioptiq also covers Optronic Modules & Systems and Space Optics as well as OEM custom designs for semiconductor equipment, medical imaging, endoscopy, dentistry and biophotonics.

“We are pleased to have expeditiously closed this acquisition, which represents our tenth corporate carve-out transaction,” said Robert Mehrabian, Executive Chairman. “Teledyne Qioptiq adds new technology and highly complementary products and customers, and we are delighted to welcome this business and its employees to Teledyne.”

“The combination of Teledyne Qioptiq’s technologies and our existing broad portfolio of defense products will give us additional opportunities to deliver solutions to our customers,” said George Bobb, President and Chief Operating Officer.

Excelitas is retaining the UK high performance solid state laser business in Hamble, Southampton.

The sale of the optics business came as Excelitas acquired the Noblelight LED lamp business in Germany from Heraeus. By the end of 2027, the four production facilities for the development and manufacturing of Noblelight products currently located in the Rhine-Main region of Germany will be consolidated into a single expanded site in the same region with a $20m investment.

Excelitas currently produces Noblelight UV LEDs and lamps, analytical light sources and infrared emitters and systems in the plants and the new location will be the centre for specialty lamp-based lighting and will include operations, R&D and administration.