Oxford Instruments (Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK) has acquired First Light Imaging (Aix-en-Provence, France).
First Light Imaging will become part of Oxford Instruments Andor, which markets scientific cameras, microscopy systems and spectrographs. For its part, First Light Imaging specializes in high-speed, low-noise cameras with sensitivity in ultraviolet (UV), visible and short wave infrared (SWIR) spectral ranges.
First Light Imaging was a Bronze-level honoree in the Vision Systems Design 2023 Innovators Awards Program. The company was recognized for its C-BLUE ONE UV monochrome global shutter camera, which has a resolution of 8.1 MPixels, 2.74 µm pitch and spectral sensitivity from 200 to 1000 nm.
“Joining forces will significantly enhance our world-class camera offering to our combined customer base and drive First Light’s next phase of growth as part of the wider group,” says Richard Tyson, CEO of Oxford Instruments.
“Our expanded portfolio will help us accelerate our customers’ roadmaps in the life science market and in physical sciences, a long-standing area of strength for Oxford Instruments,” Tyson adds.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Oxford Instruments is paying an initial cash consideration of €15.7 million, on a cash-free, debt-free basis. It will pay an additional €3 million conditional on First Light Imaging’s trading performance over a 12-month period following completion of the acquisition.
David Boutolleau, co-founder of First Light Imaging, says, “After 12 years building First Light as a successful independent business, it became clear that to take the business to the next stage of its development, we would need industrial and commercial support to reinforce our manufacturing, technology and routes to market."
