G&H Strengthens Aerospace & Defence Capabilities with the Acquisition of Global Photonics

Gooch & Housego, G&H (AIM:GHH), a global leader in advanced optics and photonics solutions, is pleased to announce the expansion of its U.S. presence with the acquisition of Global Photonics, a specialist in complex optical systems and thin film coatings based in Trinity, Florida. The acquisition strengthens G&H’s Optical Systems division and establishes G&H Tampa as a U.S. Center of Excellence for Optical Systems.

This acquisition significantly extends G&H's presence in the U.S. Aerospace & Defence market and marks an important step towards replicating the success of the Group’s optical systems hub in the UK by establishing a full optical systems engineering and manufacturing capability in the United States.

Global Photonics, which is based near Tampa, Florida, supplies optical systems for military land applications, including periscopes and fire-control systems, as well as instrumentation for air platforms and other advanced precision optics. Its expertise in cleanroom lithography, photolithographic reticle fabrication, ion beam etching and advanced thin film coatings will complement G&H’s existing manufacturing capabilities and enhance the Group’s offering into the North American market.

The transaction represents another ‘speed to value’ acquisition by G&H. The acquisition allows us to support the Global Photonics team with the wider capabilities of G&H particularly in the areas of laser protection filtering and complex optical system design allowing them to secure further business through their existing strong reputation and well-established relationships with U.S. defence prime contractors.

Charlie Peppiatt, Chief Executive Officer of Gooch & Housego, commented:

"Global Photonics is a strong strategic and operational fit for G&H, bringing deep application expertise, strong relationships with U.S. defence primes and complementary manufacturing capabilities to our growing Optical Systems division. This acquisition accelerates our plan to become the partner of choice for high-precision optical systems in both the UK and the U.S. and opens exciting new growth channels in North America.”

“The establishment of a full optical systems engineering and manufacturing capability in the U.S. for the Aerospace & Defence market mirrors our successful strategy for the U.S. healthcare sector with the recent opening of our G&H Innovation Hub for Life Sciences in Rochester NY.”