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08 May 2018
Euronext-listed Gimv acquires 75% stake in the Germany-headquartered photonic product distributor.
The Antwerp investment company Gimv is set to acquire a 75 per cent stake in Weßling, Germany-based independent photonic product distributor Laser 2000 GmbH.
Founded by current managing director Armin Luft back in 1986, Laser 2000 currently employs 65 people. Luft will retain a minority interest in the firm once the deal is closed.
A familiar sight at major European photonics trade shows in particular, the firm’s comprehensive portfolio of products ranges from lasers for materials processing, to fiber-optic components, 3D imaging, power meters, cameras, and more. In 2015 the company signed an exclusive deal with JDSU (now Lumentum) to distribute the latter's kilowatt-class fiber laser and direct-diode laser products throughout Europe.
Luft said in a release issued by Gimv: “Optical technologies keep spreading to new industrial applications. We are known for innovation, creativity, quality and superior customer satisfaction in the photonics market for over 30 years, and we intend to keep growing.
“I am delighted that in Gimv we have found a new partner, [that] stands for successful, long-term co-operation, and sustainable value creation in the SME segment. We share the excitement for technologies of the future and we will continue to develop Laser 2000's success story together.”
Diverse portfolio
Assuming the formalities of regulatory approval do not halt the deal, Laser 2000 will become part of a sprawling investment portfolio including several medical technology developers, alongside fast-food outlets, a lingerie manufacturer, various software developers, and Oranjeboom lager producer United Dutch Breweries.
One Gimv portfolio company that does share some common technology with Laser 2000 is OTN Systems. It specializes in optical open transport networks deployed in industrial settings, including motorways, light rail networks, airports, and other utility infrastructure.
The private equity firm’s Munich-based partner Ronald Bartel, part of Gimv's Smart Industries platform, noted: “As a technology spanning over all major sectors, photonics will put its mark on the 21st century from both a technological and economic perspective, be it in Industry 4.0, autonomous driving, diagnostics, or broadband networks.
“Acting as an independent intermediary between customers and a plethora of suppliers and products, Laser 2000 is ideally positioned to participate in and benefit from this development. The company has what it takes to expand its market leadership – and we look forward to helping it reaching these goals in the future.”
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