Flir Buys Scientific Materials

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 1 -- Flir Systems Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the stock of Scientific Materials Corp. (SMC), a supplier of laser assemblies, laser components and materials, for $13 million cash. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.

Based in Bozeman, Mont., Scientific Materials was founded in 1989 as a producer of specialty crystals for use in high-end laser manufacturing. The company has since expanded into the production of military grade laser assemblies and high quality laser components used by a variety of industrial, medical, scientific and military laser manufacturers.

"We are seeing increasing demand for laser payloads in many of our systems, and the acquisition of SMC will give us greater control over the development, manufacturing and cost of this important subassembly," commented Earl R. Lewis, president and CEO of Flir Systems, in a written press release.

Flir makes infrared imaging systems for applications in public safety, defense, navigation, electronic newsgathering and search and rescue. Its thermography products support applications such as condition monitoring, nondestructive testing, medical science, research and development and manufacturing process control. For more information, visit: www.flir.com