Eurazeo has acquired 3S Photonics, a French high technology company, specialising in opto-electronic components. This second investment by Eurazeo Croissance, following its investment in Fonroche, is part of Eurazeo’s policy to support the development of French SMEs.
Eurazeo is purchasing the holdings of several investors, including those of Fonds Stratégique d’Investissement (FSI) for which 3S Photonics had been one of its first investments. Eurazeo also will be investing in a capital increase of 10 million euros to finance 3S Photonics’ growth, for a total equity investment of 37 million euros by Eurazeo. Following the equity increase, Eurazeo will hold close to 83% of 3S Photonics’ capital.
3S Photonics, formerly Alcatel Optronics, manufactures optical and opto-electronic components for submarine telecoms applications, the company’s historical core business, as well as for terrestrial telecoms applications. The company is active in two high-growth global markets, high-speed telecoms networks and industrial fiber lasers, supplying products for industrial, medical and defense applications.
The company has two production centres, virtually unique in the world; one in France specialising in the manufacture of laser chips and the other in Canada producing optical fibres.
3S Photonics generated revenues of EUR51 million in Fiscal 2011 (ended June 30, 2011) and employs approximately 400 people.
Eurazeo will help 3S Photonics consolidate its position in its traditional telecoms markets and broaden its presence in the industrial laser market. It will be supporting the company’s external growth policy, including through future reinvestment.
Fabrice de Gaudemar (pictured), Eurazeo Executive Board member responsible for Eurazeo Croissance, says: "We are pleased to be making this investment which reflects our intention to contribute to accelerating the growth of high potential companies. Eurazeo continues to play its role as a professional and responsible shareholder supporting strong SME development. We will be supporting Alexandre Krivine and his team, continuing the work begun with the help of FSI to make 3S Photonics a true global leader in the opto-electronic components market."
