October 27, 2008--OC Oerlikon (Pfäffikon, Switzerland) is selling its Oerlikon Optics business unit in Balzers, Liechtenstein to the unit's management, supported by local private investors. Oerlikon Optics manufactures optics for projection displays (filters, integrating optics, prisms, and others) and lighting, as well as custom optics for a wide variety of applications such as semiconductor lithography, automotive lighting, biochips, optical MEMS, and imagers.
The corresponding contracts were signed on Friday, October 24, 2008. Dr Uwe Krüger, CEO of OC Oerlikon, said, "In view of its size and focus on niche markets, the optical coating business in Balzers no longer fits into the OC Oerlikon business strategy. I'm convinced that with the MBO we have found the best solution for all stakeholders involved. The new management will continue to run the optical coating business successfully, especially as it enjoys the local support of private investors from Liechtenstein."
The Balzers-based optical coating business, including relevant technical plants and equipment, and customer and supplier relationships, will be transferred to the new company. The newly constituted business posts annual sales in the region of CHF 35 million and has some 160 staff, which will all transfer to the new company. It will begin trading under the new name Optics Balzers AG as of January 1, 2009. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Separate discussions are ongoing with respect to the other two Oerlikon Optics businesses in Golden, Colorado (US) and Shanghai (China).
Designated CEO Martin Kaspar said the new name, Optics Balzers AG, shows a commitment to these core fields and to the company's location. "We benefit from a very good market position, and we will expand the traditional business in both existing and new attractive niche markets going forward," he noted. "We see ourselves as a medium-sized company firmly anchored in the region." Christoph Studinka, chairman of the board of Optics Balzers AG, explained the board's fundamental strategic principles. "We want to make a long-term commitment as entrepreneurs and to help management shape a lasting and successful future for the business," he said.
The executive board of Optics Balzers AG will consist of Martin Kaspar (CEO and member of the board of directors), Esther Schneider (finance), Dirk von Frajer (marketing and sales), Norman Korner (production), Othmar Zueger (research and development), and Guglielmo Cappellari (product management).