Thales Alenia Space Expands European Footprint Acquiring RUAG Opto-electronics Business Line
Cannes. Thales Alenia Space announced July 11 the signature of a definitive agreement to acquire RUAG’s opto-electronics business line.
The transaction is subject to the usual closing conditions, and should be finalised by the end of the year.
Based in Zurich, RUAG’s opto-electronics and instruments product unit is specialised 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”, says Peter Guggenbach, CEO RUAG Space.
