Sweden’s Saab on Sept. 3 said its Seaeye subsidiary has acquired Britain’s Hydro-Lek Ltd., a manufacturer of components used in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), strengthening its portfolio of products in the remotely operated, autonomous and hybrid underwater vehicles area.
Saab said the deal also will help it grow its Seaeye unit, which makes a number of UUVs for various applications, including the offshore oil and gas industry, military, search and salvage. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Hydro-Lek serves customers in the commercial, nuclear and defense markets. Saab said the acquisition will further increase its presence in the commercial remotely operated vehicle (ROV) market as a complete underwater ROV supplier.
Hydro-Lek makes a wide range of valves, manipulators, electronic control systems, tooling, and other components used in UUVs. The company also makes the HyBIS Hydraulic Benthic Interactive Sampler for remote operations from ships to carry cameras to the seafloor and to bring back samples.
“We see a clear synergy between the two companies as manipulators and tools are key components in the design and function of underwater vehicles,” Jon Robertson, managing director of Saab Seaeye, said in a statement. “Our ability to offer and support a complete ROV and tooling solution will bring significant benefits to the market.”
Saab said the acquisition will be immaterial to its financial results in 2013. Hydro-Lek, which has customers in Europe, the United States, and Asia, has 25 employees.