Copenhagen and Morganville, NJ--NKT has increased its 27% stake to a full ownership of Vytran for an undisclosed sum. Vytran is the world's leading supplier of high end splicing, cleaving, and recoating equipment. The transaction was effective February 1, 2008.
"We have been impressed with the capabilities and unique technologies of Vytran, which we believe will become even more important as the market for specialty fiber devices continues to expand," says Søren Isaksen, CTO of NKT Holding. "We see Vytran as providing a key building block to the overall expansion of our photonics business."
"Vytran's core strengths are in specialty fiber processing and product development, and we believe that a strong partner like NKT will bring us many new growth opportunities," says Vytran President Eric Mies.
Founded in 1989 Vytran has offices in New Jersey, UK, and Australia. Its products are used in a wide variety of highly demanding fiber-based applications, such as undersea cable systems, high-volume EDFA assembly, and satellite fiber gyroscopes. Vytran recently introduced the GPX-3000 series of glass processing products which are used for the fabrication of fiber laser components and systems. Vytran will become part of the NKT Photonics Group of companies that already includes Koheras, Crystal Fibre, and LIOS Technology.
Vytran will continue to operate as an independent company and will continue to provide its products and engineering services to existing and new customers. Bonni Kryger will become the new CEO of Vytran and Eric Mies will continue on as CTO. Kryger has extensive international business development experience from previous VP positions at telecom companies Ericsson and NetTest, and CEO positions in IT-related start-ups.