Somerset firm expands into US with acquisition
Specialist optics firm Gooch and Housgo has bought an American business for an estimated £13m.
The Somerset firm said it has expanded its US Life Sciences Capabilities with the acquisition of GS Optics.
The acquisition expands the company’s presence in the life sciences sector and extends the group’s capabilities into polymer optics.
GS Optics specialises in the custom design and manufacture of precision polymer optics for use in the biomedical, machine vision and analytical instrument markets, as well as military and civilian night-vision and visible-range sighting applications.
Based in Rochester, NY and founded in 1916, GS Optics produces injection moulded spherical, aspherical, cylindrical, and freeform imaging optics and mirrors.
The acquisition, which is closely aligned to G&H’s new strategy, will increase the company’s commercial footprint in high-growth areas within the large US life sciences market including ophthalmic lenses, surgical imaging and diagnostic instrumentation. GS Optics has established itself as a leader in polymer optics, with a strong presence in the medical diagnostics sector.
G&H has ambitious plans to establish the site as a high-performing design, development and manufacturing centre.
Chief executive Charlie Peppiatt said: “I am delighted to welcome GS Optics, a leader in polymer optics for the medical diagnostics sector and other markets, to Gooch & Housego.
“GS Optics is a high quality business with a strong customer base and differentiated technology. This strategic acquisition will accelerate the Group’s growth plans in the North American life sciences market whilst also adding to our A&D and industrial activities. The acquisition is in line with our recently announced new strategy to become an innovative customer focused technology company.”
