Excelitas Technologies acquires Research Electro Optics

Excelitas Technologies Corp., Waltham, Massachusetts, a producer of customized photonic solutions, has completed acquisition of Research Electro Optics (REO) of Boulder, Colorado. REO is a privately-held company specializing in the volume manufacture of high-precision optical components, optical thin film coatings, and optical subassemblies as well as high-performance HeNe lasers for instrumentation and metrology applications across a wide range of markets.

The combination of Excelitas and REO offers an expanded range of products and capabilities for OEM customers and defense prime contractors seeking single-source convenience and reliability for high-performance illumination, optical, and detection solutions.

“We are thrilled to welcome REO to the Excelitas family as their products complement Excelitas’ existing optics portfolio quite well,” noted Excelitas CEO David Nislick. “REO provides an extremely capable, high quality optics operation in the United States that we look to grow with further investment as we have done with the former Qioptiq facilities in Europe and Asia.”

REO will continue full optical coatings and laser technologies operations from its state-of-the-art Boulder facilities as it is integrated with the Excelitas Technologies family.

Paul Kelly, REO president & CEO, said, “This is a very exciting time for REO and its employees as the partnership with Excelitas will enable further investment in people, technology, and capabilities. The opportunities available to REO as a result of the Excelitas global presence will contribute to accelerating growth. Finally, the culture embraced by Excelitas will allow REO employees to continue to thrive in their personal and professional lives.”

This announcement marks the close of a definitive agreement signed by Excelitas Technologies and REO on July 9, 2018. The terms of the deal are not being disclosed. REO is the fifth and latest acquisition consummated by Excelitas Technologies since its founding in late 2010, and the first since being acquired by AEA Investors in December 2017, marking a new era of growth and expansion.