Carlyle Group to Acquire HGH Infrared Systems
Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG; Washington, DC), a global alternative asset manager, entered into exclusive discussions with HGH Infrared Systems (HGH; Igny, France) to acquire a majority stake in the specialist provider of infrared technology solutions, alongside management. The proposed transaction will be subject to customary employee consultations and regulatory approvals. Equity for the transaction will be provided by Carlyle Europe Technology Partners III and it is expected to close in Q3/4 this year.
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Founded in 1982, HGH develops and sells innovative optoelectronic and infrared systems and software for surveillance applications, test & measurement, and industrial thermography to blue-chip customers in different end-markets. In particular, HGH offers a range of high-end solutions for surveillance applications in the security, defense, oil & gas and energy industries with its "Spynel" line of panoramic detection systems and software for wide area surveillance. Other solutions include equipment for electro-optical systems calibration & testing as well as thermal scanners and pyrometric cameras for remote temperature and combustion monitoring. HGH operates two R&D and assembly sites in the Optics Valley near Paris, France and in California, USA. The company provides solutions to clients across 40 countries through two recognized brands HGH Infrared Systems and Electro Optical Industries (EOI).
Thierry Campos, CEO of HGH Infrared Systems, said, "This potential partnership with Carlyle is excellent news for our customers. It will also help HGH to move to the next level and to build on our strong international growth trajectory. Through significant investment in R&D, we have positioned our company as a technology leader and we have acquired major customer references in a number of markets. Carlyle's global footprint and scale as well as its experience and networks in the aerospace & defense, oil & gas and energy markets will help us to further develop the company's international presence and to broaden our blue-chip customer base."
Vladimir Lasocki, Managing Director and co-Head of the Carlyle Europe Technology Partners team, said, "Demand for wide area surveillance technologies is accelerating across all geographies, with increasingly sophisticated needs for the surveillance of critical infrastructure. HGH has become a reference in its markets and has built a solid foundation for future growth. In particular, HGH has developed a unique proposition with the Spynel, enhanced by its proprietary software for image processing and analysis allowing it to detect and see several targets at the same time at 360-degrees. We believe Carlyle can provide a platform for growth to HGH and look forward to working on the next phase of growth of the company."
Cyril Bourdarot, Associate Director on the Carlyle Europe Technology Partners team, said, "We are impressed by HGH's strong track-record and scalable business model. Over the past few years, HGH has experienced sustained double-digit growth, driven by the company's outstanding technology solutions, software capabilities and customer-centric approach. We believe there will be significant future demand for HGH's proprietary technologies and we are excited to partner with Thierry and his team to support the business as it looks to expand and increase growth across different commercial end-markets."
