Flir Buys Motion Control Firm

Thermal imaging and camera systems maker Flir Systems Inc. announced Monday it has acquired Directed Perception Inc., a provider of pan-tilt motion control systems for commercial and military markets, for $20 million in cash.

Upon closing, Directed Perception was renamed Flir Motion Control Systems. The business will operate as part of Flir’s Commercial Systems Div.

Based in Burlingame, Calif., Directed Perception is a pioneer in high-performance pan-tilts in security and surveillance, maritime, military, robotics and scientific instruments markets, Flir said, adding that the purchase means that Flir’s pan-tilt-zoom camera systems for both commercial and military markets will cost less, feature improved functionality and be more user-friendly. Directed Perception’s systems support payloads ranging from six to 90 lb.

“The acquisition of Directed Perception expands Flir’s capabilities into a key enabling technology. Its technology can be integrated into many of our existing pan-tilt-zoom systems and has significant potential for future low-cost integrated solutions,” said Earl Lewis, Flir president and CEO.

Flir anticipates that the transaction will be neutral to 2010 net earnings and accretive thereafter.

For more information, visit: www.flir.com