Oxford Instruments Announces Surface Science Joint Venture
The new company is known as Scienta Omicron. The transaction combines two leaders in the UHV surface science instrument market, which includes x-ray and electron spectrometers. Scienta’s business is primarily vacuum components, while Omicron is more instrument oriented. When Oxford acquired Omicron in 2011, it stated that Omicron had 2010 revenues of $54.1 million (see IBO 6/15/11).
London, UK 5/28/15—Oxford Instruments has entered into a joint venture involving its Omicron Nanotechnology subsidiary and Swedish firm Scienta Scientific, a GD Intressenter business. The combined company will provide highly specialized systems for ultrahigh volume (UHV) surface science. Oxford will hold a 47% share in the joint venture, and GD will hold a 53% share. Financial details were not provided. “The new venture will create the largest player in the exciting field of surface science and UHV engineering,” stated Oxford CEO Jonathan Flint. “Customers will benefit from an enhanced product portfolio and improved service, and the synergies generated by merging the two businesses will provide significant efficiencies and cost savings.” Omicron had fiscal 2014 revenues of £28.5 million ($45.2 million = £0.63 = $1). In 2014, Scienta generated revenues of £24.6 million ($40.3 million = £0.61 = $1). Oxford has provided the joint venture with a £3.1 million ($4.8 million = £0.65 = $1) loan. Scienta CEO Johan Aman will lead the new company.
