Exotic Electro-Optics (EEO) and LightWorks Optics (LWO) have merged and are operating as LightWorks Optical Systems Inc., the companies announced this week. Pittsburgh-based II-VI Inc., a manufacturer of engineered materials and optoelectronic components, acquired LightWorks Optics in December (See: II-VI Buys LightWorks Optics for up to $35M). II-VI President and CEO Francis J. Kramer said at the time that the company expected LightWorks to have a "unique partnership" with its EEO unit, which, as with LightWorks, is based in California. The combined operations will accelerate expansion into new markets, the company said, as LightWorks Optical Systems will provide the design, engineering and production capabilities of both former companies. Murrieta-based EEO designs and fabricates optics, windows, thin-film coatings and electro-optical assemblies to US defense agencies and OEMs, while the Tustin-based Lightworks makes precision optical systems and components, including visible, infrared, and laser-based systems and subassemblies for the defense, aerospace, industrial and life sciences markets. LightWorks Optical Systems will be based in Murrieta but will continue to operate the Tustin facility. "LWO's expertise in the engineering design and manufacturing of complete optical subsystems is a logical market extension for EEO," said Daniel Barber, chief scientist at LightWorks Optical Systems. "The optical systems created by LWO involve engineering and manufacturing expertise similar to those possessed by EEO, and will extend the range of solutions the combined companies offer to the marketplace. Together, we can provide substantial value to our current customers as well as to the growing commercial markets for precision optical assemblies." For more information, visit: www.lwopticalsystems.com