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12 Apr 2023
French firm continues acquisition strategy with deal to buy Canadian provider of infrared and hyperspectral imagers.
Photonis, the France-headquartered maker of imagers and other types of detectors for industrial and defense applications, is set to acquire the infrared camera firm Telops.
Based in Québec City, Canada, Telops produces high-performance hyperspectral imaging systems and infrared cameras for defense, industrial, and academic markets.
It employs around 100 people across several locations - including an office just outside Paris.
The deal, which is expected to complete in the next few weeks, follows Photonis’ recent acquisition of the Belgian short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera maker Xenics.
Methane detection
Photonis says that the merged group will provide “unique high-end imaging products” to business-to-business customers thanks to wide-ranging expertise in component manufacturing, a broad geographical reach, and advanced technological capabilities.
CEO Jérôme Cerisier said: “With this acquisition, we continue to extend our technology expertise by adding hyperspectral capabilities to our portfolio. It will open the way to enter the North American methane detection market with key assets, and contribute to our pursuit of building a safer world.”
Telops CEO Jean Giroux added: “By combining our strengths with Photonis Group, Telops will benefit from the Photonis expertise and international footprint which will allow us to accelerate our growth. We will consolidate our position on the European market and continue to meet new technological challenges.”
Financial support
As with the Xenics deal, the addition of Telops is being financed by Pemberton, CIC, and BNP Paribas banks. LCL and Société Générale are also involved in the Telops acquisition.
Existing Photonis products include camera technologies stretching from the ultraviolet to long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral regions, as well as night vision equipment for military and commercial use. The company also provides a range of sensors for detecting X-rays, neutrons, ions and electrons.
Founded in 2000, Telops sells a range of imagers including a passive infrared hyperspectral system that combines high spatial and spectral resolution and is suitable for both ground-based and airborne gas monitoring.
“It provides real-time radiometrically calibrated data for gas and mineral detection and identification,” says the firm. “It is offered in ground-based format, but also as a compact airborne hyperspectral imaging system: the Hyper-Cam Airborne Mini.
“This lightweight imaging sensor is a versatile tool for hyperspectral infrared surveys, and a unique instrument for real-time gas detection, identification and quantification.”
Telops video showcasing the Hyper-Cam Mini xLW:
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