JENOPTIK Acquires Majority of Jena-Optronik

JENA, Germany, Dec. 25 -- JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH has expanded its sensor technology capacities, acquiring a majority of Jena-Optronik GmbH as of Jan. 1, 2003. Jena-Optronik primarily develops and produces optical and optoelectronic sensors for aerospace applications. ASTRIUM GmbH and JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH -- joint owners of Jena-Optronik -- said they will shift the proportion of their respective stakes in the company. Pending the approval of the antitrust authorities, ASTRIUM GmbH will reduce its share in the Jena-Optronik from 51 to 25 percent while JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH increases its share from 49 to 75 percent, thereby taking on the industrial management of the company.

Jenoptik aims to boost its technological competency in the field of optical and optoelectronic sensors and to expand its activities in markets outside the aerospace industry.

For more information, visit: www.jena-optronik.de