Rome, Italy 3/7/16; San Diego, CA 3/7/17—Leonardo, a publicly listed Italian company serving the aerospace, defense and security markets, has agreed to acquire Daylight Solutions for $150 million. Daylight Solutions provides mid-IR lasers and systems based on quantum cascade laser technology for molecular detection, imaging and illumination systems used in scientific research, life sciences, industrial process control and defense applications. “This acquisition will allow Leonardo DRS to extend the range of advanced solutions to civil and military customers around the world, integrating the Daylight Solutions laser technology in the core business of electro-optical and infrared sensors and systems,” said Leonardo CEO and General Manager Mauro Moretti. Applications of the companies’ IR technology will include medical and industrial applications, such as imaging for cancer diagnostics and chemical detection. Daylight Solutions will retain its three cofounders and remain in San Diego, California.

Eric Takeuchi, senior director for Business Development at Daylight Solutions, told IBO that part of the motivation for Leonardo for the purchase was Daylight Solutions’ non-defense businesses, which include lasers and sensors for scientific instrumentation, as well as the Spero IR microscope.