Oerlikon Selling Optics Unit

OC Oerlikon announced today it is selling its Balzers-based Oerlikon Optics business to the unit’s management team and some local private investors under a deal signed Friday. Specifics of the acquisition, including the purchase price, were not disclosed.

"In view of its size and focus on niche markets, the optical coating business in Balzers no longer fits into the OC Oerlikon business strategy. I’m convinced that with the MBO (management buyout) we have found the best solution for all stakeholders involved. The new management will continue to run the optical coating business successfully, especially as it enjoys the local support of private investors from Liechtenstein," said Dr. Uwe Krüger, OC Oerlikon CEO.

The executive board of Optics Balzers AG, formerly Oerlikon Optics' Balzers unit (l-r), will include: Guglielmo Cappellari, Norman Korner, Martin Kaspar, Othmar Zueger, Esther Schneider, and Dirk von Frajer. (Photo: Business Wire)

Oerlikon Optics is a provider of custom optical components and subassemblies. The Balzers-based optical coating business, including relevant technical plant and equipment, customer and supplier relationships, will be transferred to the new company, OC Oerlikon said. Separate discussions are ongoing concerning the selling of the other two Oerlikon Optics business in Golden, Colo., and Shanghai, China.

The optics unit will become Optics Balzers AG, effective Jan. 1, 2009. The business will post annual sales in the region of CHF 35 million ($30 million) and has a staff of about 160.

Optics Balzers AG CEO Martin Kaspar said the new name shows a commitment to its core fields and to the company’s location. “We benefit from a very good market position, and we will expand the traditional business in both existing and new attractive niche markets going forward. We see ourselves as a medium-sized company firmly anchored in the region.”

"We want to make a long-term commitment as entrepreneurs and to help management shape a lasting and successful future for the business," said Dr. Christoph Studinka, board chairman of Optics Balzers AG.

The Optics Balzers AG executive board is: Martin Kaspar (CEO and member of the board of directors), Esther Schneider (finance), Dirk von Frajer (marketing and sales), Norman Korner (production), Othmar Zueger (research and development), and Guglielmo Cappellari (product management).

For more information, visit: www.oerlikon.com