In an effort to bolster international sales of their respective lasers, Quantel SA of Les Ulis, France, has merged with Big Sky Laser Technologies Inc. of Bozeman, Mont. Quantel is a manufacturer of solid-state lasers for scientific, medical and ophthalmic applications. Big Sky Laser manufactures compact flashlamp and diode-pumped lasers for remote sensing, spectroscopy and medical applications. Ed Teppo, president and CEO of Big Sky Laser, said the Aug. 4 merger will result in Quantel's adding sales staff to Big Sky offices in the US. He said there are no plans for Big Sky facilities to manufacture Quantel products. Last year, Quantel reported sales of $14 million, and Big Sky had sales of $9 million. Big Sky Laser will become the North American headquarters for Quantel Group, and Teppo will be in charge of US operations. He also will assume the post of general director at Quantel.