Spectris plc (www.spectris.com), a United Kingdom-based instrumentation and controls company, announced on Oct. 1 that it has completed the acquisition of N-Tron Corp. (www.n-tron.com), a Mobile, Ala.-based manufacturer of rugged industrial networking components. The purchase consideration of $51 million (approximately £32 million), on a debt and cash-free basis, will be met from existing cash and bank facilities and is subject to routine balance sheet adjustments, Spectris said.
The acquisition of N-Tron is in line with Spectris’ strategy to grow its key strategic business segments, the company said. N-Tron is a manufacturer of Ethernet switches and associated components for the industrial, infrastructure and power generation markets. N-Tron will become part of Spectris’ Industrial Controls segment and will maintain its own brand and sales structure, while operating in close cooperation with Red Lion Controls Inc. (www.redlion.net), another Spectris company based in York, Pa. Red Lion is a provider of operator interface products.
John O'Higgins, chief executive of Spectris, commented: “The acceptance of Ethernet in the industrial market for integrating shop-floor information within the business IT infrastructure is rapidly increasing. N-Tron’s hardware capabilities will enable us to leverage Red Lion's communications technologies to meet this demand and to build our position in the industrial controls market around the world.”
Nicholson departs
Warren Nicholson, president and founder of N-Tron, said, “N-Tron has found an excellent home in Spectris. Today’s customers require suppliers to have a global presence and global reach. Spectris will enable N-Tron to meet those customer expectations.” Nicholson is leaving N-Tron and has agreed to consult with N-Tron and Spectris to ensure a smooth integration and transition period.
Headquartered in Egham, Surrey, England, Spectris employs approximately 5,800 people, with offices in 29 countries. Spectris operates across four business segments that reflect the applications and industries it serves: Materials Analysis, Test and Measurement, In-line Instrumentation and Industrial Controls. N-Tron employs around 60 people.
N-Tron Corp.www.n-tron.comRed Lion Controls Inc. www.redlion.netSpectris plc www.spectris.comSubscribe to Automation World's RSS Feeds for News
