Labsphere Acquires Photon Gear

Nicoya Lifesciences Acquires Applied Photophysics

June 10, 2025

Biotechnology

Nicoya Lifesciences acquired UK-based Applied Photophysics, integrating established biophysical instrumentation (CD, stopped-flow, nanoDSF) with Nicoya's SPR platforms to create a more comprehensive biologics characterization offering. The deal immediately doubles Nicoya's revenue, triples its customer base, establishes Applied Photophysics's Leatherhead site as Nicoya's European hub, and was financed by Nicoya's existing investor syndicate led by Graphite Ventures.

Thorlabs Acquires JML Optical Industries

January 16, 2023

Manufacturing

Thorlabs has agreed to acquire JML Optical Industries, a Rochester, New York-based designer and manufacturer of precision optics, with the deal expected to close in January 2023. JML will operate as Thorlabs Lens Systems (TLS) in Rochester, expanding Thorlabs' optics manufacturing footprint and QuickTurn optics capabilities; prior owner Five Points Capital is the selling party noted in reports.

Luminar Technologies Acquires Freedom Photonics

March 21, 2022

Industrial Services

Luminar (Nasdaq: LAZR) announced it is acquiring Freedom Photonics, a high-performance laser chip and photonics components company used for lidar and other optical sensing applications. The all-stock deal follows years of collaboration and is expected to close in the second quarter, with Freedom Photonics’ leadership continuing to run and expand the business after closing.

CACI International Acquires SA Photonics

December 16, 2021

Aerospace & Defense

CACI International has completed the acquisition of SA Photonics, a developer of free-space optical (FSO) communications and LiDAR sensing technologies. The deal expands CACI's photonics engineering and scaled manufacturing capabilities — adding facilities in California and Florida — to serve U.S. government, intelligence, and commercial space (LEO) customers.

MKS Instruments Acquires Photon Control

May 10, 2021

Manufacturing

MKS Instruments agreed to acquire Photon Control Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately CAD$387 million (enterprise value ~CAD$343 million). The acquisition expands MKS's sensing capabilities—adding optical sensors for temperature and position used in semiconductor wafer fabrication—and is expected to be accretive to non-GAAP net earnings within 12 months, with closing expected in Q3 2021 subject to customary approvals.

Luna Innovations Acquires General Photonics

March 4, 2019

Telecommunications

Luna Innovations Incorporated acquired General Photonics Corporation, a Chino, California-based provider of polarization management components, modules and optical test equipment, for $20 million (including up to $1 million earnout). The purchase expands Luna's Lightwave division and strengthens its communications test product portfolio by adding complementary measurement and polarization control capabilities and vertical integration synergies.