Since its founding in 2007, FemtoTools has been a specialist in the design and manufacturing of high-speed, precision, MEMS-based nanoindenters, which enable the imaging of mechanical properties of intricate microstructures for materials research and semiconductor applications. The company has a portfolio of three products serving a broad range of applications including metallurgy, thin films, and microsystems technology.
Following the acquisition, FemtoTools will become part of Oxford Instruments, a global company providing academic and commercial organisations worldwide with market-leading scientific technology and expertise across its key market segments: Materials Analysis, Healthcare & Life Science, and Semiconductors, joining the Imaging and Analysis division. The companies’ strategic fit spans beyond having a common global customer base to having complementary products that can be used in conjunction with other tools offered by the Oxford Group, including electron microscope micro-analysers and Raman microscopes.
“Joining Oxford Instruments is a great opportunity for FemtoTools to quickly reach new customers who are already using Oxford Instruments’ tools. Oxford Instruments’ leading reputation and international presence is a great springboard for our next stage of growth, and we are super-excited for our future here”, said Felix Beyeler, co-founder of FemtoTools.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Oxford Instruments is paying an initial cash consideration of CHF 17m, on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with a further CHF 7m consideration conditional on FemtoTools’ performance over a 33-month period following completion. FemtoTools’ audited revenue for the 12 months to 31 December 2023 was CHF 10.6m (£9.3m), with return on sales slightly below the average for the Group.
Richard Tyson, Chief Executive Officer, Oxford Instruments plc said: “We are delighted that FemtoTools will be joining Oxford Instruments to add to our armoury of materials analysis techniques. The specialist capabilities Felix, Simon and the team have developed will be an excellent addition to our portfolio, enabling us to provide our customers with an even richer range of insights.”
(Press release/RAN)