Flir Buys Salvador Imaging

Thermal imaging and stabilized camera systems maker Flir Systems Inc. announced it has acquired Salvador Imaging Inc., a provider of high-performance visible and low-light imaging systems, for $13 million in cash. Salvador has been renamed Flir Advanced Imaging Systems Inc. and will operate as a separate busniess unit within Flir's Commercial Vision Systems Div.

The acquisition of Salvador Imaging, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., will enhance and differentiate Flir's multisensor systems for military customers and expand its security and surveillance product offerings to commercial customers, the company said.

Salvador's 12- and 14-bit modular camera designs utilize CCD and electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD) sensors at speeds in excess of 100 million frames per second. In addition to operating at high speeds and with low light, these EMCCD cameras provide color and monochrome images.

"The acquisition of Salvador Imaging expands Flir's capabilities into a market closely related to our core infrared business," said Flir President and CEO Earl Lewis. "Salvador's technology can be integrated into many of our multisensor systems for government applications, and has significant potential for standalone applications."

Flir said it anticipates the transaction will be neutral to 2009 net earnings and accretive thereafter.

For more information, visit: www.flir.com