Thorlabs Acquires JML Optical Industries

Labsphere Acquires Photon Gear

October 1, 2026

Industrial Services

Labsphere acquired Photon Gear, a New York–based designer and builder of ultra-high-precision custom optical systems and lens assemblies. The deal expands Labsphere’s ability to deliver integrated optical solutions, combining light sources and measurement platforms with Photon Gear’s lens design, assembly, and interferometric test capabilities.

Optikos Acquires Omega Optical

September 29, 2026

Manufacturing

Optikos acquired Omega Optical, combining optical engineering, manufacturing, and metrology with Omega Optical’s optical coatings and component capabilities. The combination broadens the integrated workflow offered to customers in aerospace, defense, life science, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Apollo Optical Systems Acquires Turning Point Tool

March 4, 2026

Manufacturing

Apollo Optical Systems, a portfolio company of Pike Street Capital, completed the acquisition of Turning Point Tool, a Rochester, New York tooling and machining company. The deal brings mold design, fabrication, and precision optical production together, creating a more vertically integrated optical manufacturing platform.

General Atomics (GA-EMS) Acquires MLD Technologies, LLC

August 25, 2025

Aerospace & Defense

General Atomics has acquired the business of MLD Technologies, LLC and will integrate it into General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS). The purchase brings MLD's expertise in ion-beam-sputtered optical coatings and laser-damage resistant thin-films into GA-EMS to support development and production of high-power laser weapon systems.

Plaskolite Acquires MXL Industries

June 7, 2022

Manufacturing

Plaskolite LLC, a Pritzker Private Capital-owned manufacturer of engineering thermoplastics, has acquired MXL Industries, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based maker of specialty optical plastic parts. The acquisition strengthens Plaskolite's coatings and polycarbonate capabilities and expands its offerings into specialty-crafted optical thermoplastic solutions for aerospace, medical, life-safety and marine markets.

Edmund Optics Acquires Quality Thin Films, Inc.

November 10, 2020

Manufacturing

Edmund Optics has acquired Quality Thin Films, Inc. (QTF), a Florida-based optical coatings and laser optics specialist, adding a 14,000 sq. ft. facility and roughly 30 employees to its manufacturing footprint. The deal expands Edmund Optics' laser-grade optics capabilities—including crystal and glass fabrication, polishing, metrology, high-laser-damage and diamond-like carbon coatings—and keeps QTF leadership involved as Karl George Jr. will continue to oversee the facility while Karl George Sr. retires.