FAIRFIELD, N.J., Dec. 15 -- Measurement Specialties Inc. (MSI), a New Jersey maker of sensors and sensor-based consumer products, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MWS Sensorik GmbH for 900,000 euros (€650,000 at close and €250,000 in deferred payments), approximately $1.2 million. The transaction is expected to close on or before Jan. 10 and will be effective as of Jan. 1.
MWS, based in Pfaffenhofen, Germany, makes accelerometers and other sensors, which it distributes primarily to the automotive crash test market. Customers include Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Daimler-Chrysler. MWS has used MSI's silicon micromachined accelerometer as the die for its piezoresistive sensors.
"The acquisition of MWS is another step in our effort to build a global shock and vibration group," said Frank Guidone, CEO of Measurement Specialties. "MWS has focused largely on the crash-test market in Germany and is a nice compliment to Entran's position in France. For fiscal 2006, we expect MWS to contribute approximately $1.2 million in sales and more than $250,000 in operating profit, assuming post-closing synergies."
MSI's sensor division, also known as MSI Sensors, produces a wide variety of sensors and transducers to measure physical characteristics such as pressure, motion, force, displacement, tilt, flow and distance. It uses technologies including piezoresistive, electro-optic, electromagnetic, capacitive, application-specific integrated circuits, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), piezoelectric polymers and strain gauges to engineer sensors. MSI's Consumer division produces OEM bathroom scales, Accutire tire pressure gauges and other products.
For more information, visit: www.msiusa.com