General Dynamics [GD] yesterday said its United Kingdom-based business has acquired Kylmar Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of various electro- optical systems used in military, border security, counter-terrorism, covert and coastal surveillance applications.
Terms of the cash deal were not disclosed. GD said the acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings beginning in 2011.
Kylmar’s electro-optical equipment has been used by the U.K. military intelligence and Special Forces for counter-terrorism applications for nearly two decades. The products are typically deployed for long periods of time and often operate in harsh environments.
“Their optronics expertise and products are at the core of today’s defence and security needs and are used in such applications as force protection, IED detection and border/perimeter security,” Sandy Wilson, GD UK’s president and managing director, said in a statement. “Their capabilities will strengthen General Dynamics UK’s C4ISTAR offerings in a wide range of areas and will enable us to expand the breadth of products and services we provide to existing and new customers alike.”
Kylmar will become part of GD UK Ltd. The company has about 50 employees.