FEI Buys SEM Maker
This is FEI’s second acquisition in less than six months and fits the company’s strategy to expand SEMs into new markets. FEI plans to double its served available markets by 2014. End-user markets for ASPEX systems include metals, industrial automation, defense, health sciences and forensics. Formed in 2010, FEI’s Natural Resource Division introduced the portable QEMSCAN WellSite solution in October 2011 for use on drilling rigs. The Division has the company’s highest gross margin and has grown 50% annually.
Hillsboro, OR 1/9/12—FEI, a provider of imaging and analysis systems, has acquired ASPEX for $30.5 million. ASPEX supplies rugged scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and related services for environmentally demanding military, industrial and factory floor applications. ASPEX generated sales of $10.0 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, and was profitable. The company’s sales have grown at a compound annual rate of 24% since 2006, according to FEI. “The ASPEX EXtreme SEM is an integral part of our QEMSCAN WellSite solution for on-site oil and gas solutions,” stated FEI President and CEO Don Kania. “With this acquisition, FEI now owns the essential hardware and software that has been part of our rapid growth and expanding potential in the Natural Resources business.”
