Feinfocus, global supplier of microfocus X-ray inspection systems and tube technology, has agreed to be acquired by Comet of Switzerland, supplier of conventional X-ray tubes for non-destructive testing, security, analytics, semiconductor applications, etc. Feinfocus is regarded the pioneer of microfocus and nanofocus X-ray inspection as well as in the now emerging MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) applications. This acquisition combines sealed X-ray tube technology with demountable or open X-ray tube technology. It is expected that the combined companies will create a dominant global market presence, providing customers with the most complete offering of X-ray technology and products. They seek to capitalize on continuing opportunities from industry trends toward smaller feature sizes, 3D computed tomography (CT) applications and the departure from film-based imaging. Together they bring over 50 years of experience in high-voltage, high-vacuum X-ray technology. Organizationally, there is little duplication between the two. Feinfocus will expand its presence in Asia through Comet’s Shanghai office, and Comet will take advantage of Feinfocus’ strong North American presence in Connecticut and California.
The Swiss company Comet was founded in 1948, and is based near Berne. In 2003, it employed a staff of 245 in its headquarters and its three subsidiaries in the US, France and China, solving technological challenges based on applied physics in four business areas: X-ray tubes, vacuum capacitors, dosimetry and mass spectrometry. Feinfocus was founded in 1982, is headquartered in Garbsen/Germany, and runs headquarters in Stamford, CT and a technical resource center in San Jose, CA. The company is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000.
EPP EUROPE 403
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