Germanow-Simon Corporation (dba GS Plastic Optics, GS Optics or “GS”) announced that it has been acquired by Gooch & Housego PLC. GS specializes in the custom design and manufacture of precision polymer optics for use in the biomedical, machine vision and analytical instrument markets, as well as military and civilian night-vision and visible-range sighting applications. This transaction is the successful culmination of an initiative led by Peloton Advisory LLC.
Located in Rochester, NY and founded in 1916, GS Optics (www.gsoptics.com) produces polymer injection molded spherical, aspherical, cylindrical, and freeform imaging optics and mirrors. Its well established in-house capabilities provide custom designed diamond turned and injection molded prototypes, thin film anti-reflective and reflective coatings and integrated optical solutions. GS will continue to be led by its President, Robert Podlena.
Andy Germanow, third generation owner of GS commented, “It was over 100 years ago that my grandfather, Harry Germanow, founded Germanow-Simon Corporation here in Rochester. We deliberately searched for and found a terrific successor to the Germanow family in Gooch & Housego to perpetuate the GS legacy. Not only will Gooch & Housego support our existing employees and customers, they have committed to invest in and significantly grow the employee base and footprint here at 408 St Paul St. to create a North American “Center of Excellence”.
Charlie Peppiatt, CEO of Gooch & Housego, stated “I am delighted to welcome GS Optics, a leader in polymer optics for the medical diagnostics sector and other markets, to Gooch & Housego. GS Optics is a high quality business with a strong customer base and differentiated technology. This strategic acquisition will accelerate the Group’s growth plans in the North American life sciences market whilst also adding to our A&D and industrial activities. The acquisition is in line with our recently announced new strategy to become an innovative customer focused technology company.”
Gooch & Housego (www.gandh.com) is a photonics technology business headquartered in Ilminster, Somerset, UK with operations in the USA and Europe. A world leader in its field, the company researches, designs, engineers and manufactures advanced photonic systems, components and instrumentation for applications in the Aerospace & Defence, Industrial, Life Sciences and Scientific Research sectors. World leading design, development and manufacturing expertise is offered across a broad range of complementary technologies.
Peloton Advisory LLC (www.pelotonadvisory.com) provides M&A advisory to highly successful, privately-owned entrepreneurial companies and their owners.
