HUBER+SUHNER strengthens its position in radio frequency high tech niches by acquiring Astrolab, Inc.

12/29/2012 9:45:00 AM

As of 28 December HUBER+SUHNER acquired the assets of Astrolab, Inc. based in Warren, New Jersey at a non-disclosed price. The deal will be financed from own resources. With its patented minibend® and microbend® cable assemblies Astrolab is mainly active in high tech niche markets like space & defence and offers high end radio frequency solutions for industrial markets.

This year Astrolab recorded net sales of around USD 20 million and a profit margin well above industry average. The company’s flexible microwave cables and assemblies are renowned for its unrivalled electrical properties and performance. Besides in Warren, NJ, Astrolab operates a second production site in Costa Rica. Thanks to the strong market position in North America the company generated over 80% of its sales in the home market.

According to Urs Kaufmann, CEO of HUBER+SUHNER, Astrolab is strategically the perfect match for the company as this acquisition ideally complements the RF portfolio and the position of the company in North America. “We are taking an important step in the implementation of our strategy by enhancing our US presence and our access to very important high tech niche markets”, said Mr. Kaufmann. “We are building Astrolab into a lead competence center for tape wrapped microwave cable design as well as production center for space, defence and aviation applications within the HUBER+SUHNER Group. There is little overlap of the product portfolios and the access to HUBER+SUHNER’s global sales force will unlock true growth potential for Astrolab products”.

“We are beginning a new chapter in our company history and we are convinced that HUBER+SUHNER is the ideal strategic match for Astrolab”, said Steve Toma, President of Astrolab, Inc. “HUBER+SUHNER possesses the strength and the reach to tap into new geographical markets for our world class products, and HUBER+SUHNER’s engineering depth will help foster our innovative power. Furthermore, HUBER+SUHNER has a proven track record in promoting a positive company culture with a long-term business perspective, which is important for our personnel”.

Astrolab was founded in 1961. Its passive microwave components and cable assemblies soon became an industry benchmark. Astrolab currently employs some 100 people and will operate as a subsidiary of HUBER+SUHNER, Corp. under the name HUBER+SUHNER Astrolab, Inc. Further information at www.hubersuhner.com/astrolab.

The HUBER+SUHNER Group, based in Switzerland, is a leading international manufacturer of components and systems for electrical and optical connectivity for the main markets Communication, Transportation and Industrial. The company can draw on core compe-tencies in the areas of Radio Frequency, Fiber Optics and Low Frequency. In close collaboration with its customers, HUBER+SUHNER develops and manufactures first class products of highest quality. The product range includes coaxial, fiber optic and copper cables, cable systems, connectors, antennas and lightning protection components. The company is represented by 25 group companies and numerous agencies in over 60 countries. Further information on the company atwww.hubersuhner.com.

Related Links

• HUBER+SUHNER Astrolab website