Agilent Technologies Signs Agreement to Acquire Adaptif Photonics, Expanding Optical Test Leadership in Polarization

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and Adaptif Photonics GmbH today announced they have signed an agreement for Agilent to acquire Adaptif, a privately held company. Adaptif provides key technology and products used for advanced polarization analysis and control for the test of optical components and systems in telecommunications, as well as in the sensors and laser market. The transaction is subject to standard closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.

Adaptif’s technology and intellectual property complements Agilent’s product offerings, and the acquisition will enhance Agilent’s instrument portfolio for fiber-optic test. Adaptif has established itself as a recognized supplier of test products for polarization analysis in the industry. The acquisition will help Adaptif’s and Agilent’s customers obtain comprehensive insight into their optical components and high-speed optical network designs with a full spectrum of test solutions. Adaptif has a close association with the renowned optical center of expertise at the Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg and has developed extensive intellectual property in optical-measurement product development.

“This acquisition is one step in a series of actions we have taken to strengthen our optical test and measurement offerings and allows us to offer a full range of electrical and optical test equipment for high-speed broadband network designs,” said Photonic and Network Test Division VP and General Manager Alois Hauk.

“Adaptif’s expertise and product offerings in polarization test are leading-edge in the optical test industry and significantly enhance our ability to address our customers’ needs in this field,” said Juergen Beck, business manager for Agilent’s Photonic Test & Measurement Segment.

“Joining Agilent will allow Adaptif to increase speed when innovating in the polarization arena,” said Dr. Ralf Stolte, Adaptif CEO. “We will be able to serve our customers even better under the strong Agilent brand name by focusing on our well-established key technologies. The Adaptif team is excited to join the test and measurement leader and looks forward to further contributing at the leading edge of the industry.”

Agilent plans to sell Adaptif Photonics products upon the deal closing, which is expected to occur in June. All Adaptif employees are expected to join Agilent.