Endress+Hauser Moves into Gas Analysis with the Acquisition of SpectraSensors

SpectraSensors Inc with headquarters in Houston, Texas, and production facilities in Rancho Cucamonga, California, develops, manufactures and distributes laser-based gas analytical instrumentation.

The devices are used in natural gas pipelines and plants, petrochemical refineries and chemical plants as well as for atmospheric monitoring.

The company employs about 90 people and generates annual sales of approximately 30 million US dollars.

"With SpectraSensors we are expanding our range in the field of analytics to include liquids and gases. In addition, we are strengthening our position as a supplier to the oil & gas industry," confirms CEO Klaus Endress, emphasising the strategic dimension of the acquisition.

Endress continued, "Gas analysis will play an important role in many future key markets, for example in safeguarding energy supplies - a significant and growing business."

The CEO also sees possible applications in other customer industries. He expects potential synergies in worldwide sales and services, in addition to technology.

Pioneer in laser measurement engineering

"SpectraSensors is a leading company in the field of absorption spectroscopy with tunable diode lasers," explains Managing Director George Balogh, who will continue to head the company. "We have pioneered the development of this technology."

Founded in 2001, SpectraSensors is a spinoff of NASA's renowned Jet Propulsion Laboratory and was mainly owned by institutional investors. The parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

SpectraSensors remains an independent company. "Under the mantle of the Endress+Hauser Group we are able to position ourselves better in the global market," stresses George Balogh.

The company shows a strong market presence in the United States. Endress+Hauser will expand sales and service of the gas analyzers to additional countries. SpectraSensor's product portfolio is also set to grow.