24 January 2012

3S Photonics Group becomes 3SPGroup

Following synergies between 3S Photonics, Avensys and Manlight, 3S Photonics Group is uniting the three companies into the single entity 3SPGroup of Nozay, France, with the aim of simplifying its image and pursuing its internal and external growth strategy.

3S Photonics was founded in 1994 as Alcatel Optronics S.A. (a subsidiary of the Alcatel group) and acquired in 2003 by Avanex Corp of Fremont, CA, USA, becoming Avanex France S.A. In April 2007, it was bought by entrepreneur Alexandre Krivine (becoming president & CEO) and chief technology officer Didier Sauvage (former director of Avanex France) and renamed 3S Photonics. The firm designs and manufactures both active optoelectronic components (incorporating gallium arsenide and indium phosphide laser chips fabricated in-house at Nozay, France) and passive fiber-based optical components (made at what was formerly Avensys Inc of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, acquired in early 2010). 3S is active in two global markets: high-speed telecom networks (both the historical core business of submarine telecoms as well as, more recently, terrestrial telecoms) and fiber lasers (supplying products for industrial, medical and defense applications).

For fiscal 2011 (to end June), 3S Photonics Group reported revenue of €51m (up 64% year-on-year, or up 44% for continuing business). Also, calendar 2011 saw a change in majority owner (with European-listed investment firm Eurazeo last October investing €37m to take an 83% stake). Subsequently, in November, the group acquired Manlight S.A.S. of Lannion France, which was founded in 2006 from the former Highwave Optical Technologies, and designs and manufactures optical fiber amplifier and laser products for telecom networking (from transport to broadband access), industrial, security (LIDAR) and defense.

Now, as well as designing and manufacturing optical components and modules for the telecom, industrial, security and defence, medical and R&D applications, the group also develops fiber-optic systems including high-power fused components, optical fiber sensors (OFS), fiber-laser components, and a complete range of 1.0µm, 1.5µm and 2.0µm fiber lasers and amplifiers. Through its Avensys Solutions division, it also provides instrumentation and integrated solutions for process and environmental monitoring systems.

3SPGroup says that in 2012 it will continue its acquisition strategy in order to strengthen its position in historical markets, and pursue vertical and market growth. To this end, it has decided to reorganize itself and simplify its image and name under a single brand.

“Beyond this marketing strategy, with the industrial and trade integration of our different structures, we wanted to offer a diversified and easily accessible range of products and solutions,” says Krivine. “Our customers will continue to benefit from the increase of our production capacities and technical expertise,” he adds.

3SPGroup is exhibiting in booths 4508 (Canadian Pavilion) and 2111 (French Pavilion) at this week’s SPIE Photonics West 2012 exhibition in San Francisco (24-26 January).

See related items:

3S Photonics acquired by Eurazeo Croissance

Tags: 3S Photonics

Visit: www.3spgroup.com