SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 5 – Coherent Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DeMaria ElectroOptics Systems Inc. for $22.5 million in cash. DEOS, located in Bloomfield, Conn., designs and manufactures carbon dioxide lasers used in electronics packaging, material processing and research applications. DEOS's sales for the year ending December 31, 2000 were about $13.2 million. The transaction is scheduled to close mid-April, 2001, subject to customary closing conditions.
    "The acquisition of DEOS is compelling for several reasons, including the depth of their research and development, their intellectual property portfolio and their commitment to operational excellence," said Bernard Couillaud, president and CEO of Coherent.