Oxford Instruments to acquire FemtoTools

Completion of the deal is subject to certain closing conditions, expected to be satisfied within the next four weeks.

Oxford Instruments is a leading provider of high technology products and services to industry and scientific research communities.

Founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 2007, FemtoTools specialises in the design and manufacture of high-speed, precision nanoindenters.

These enable the imaging of mechanical properties of intricate microstructures for materials research and semiconductor applications.

The acquisition will see FemtoTools become part of Oxford Instruments’ imaging and analysis division, with a common global customer base spanning academic institutions and commercial companies.

FemtoTools products are often used in conjunction with other tools offered by the Oxford Instruments group, including electron microscope micro-analysers and Raman microscopes.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Oxford Instruments is paying an initial cash consideration of just over £15 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with a further £6.2 million consideration conditional on FemtoTools’ performance over a 33-month period following completion.

FemtoTools’ audited revenue for the 12 months to 31 December 2023 was £9.3 million, with return on sales slightly below the average for the group.

Richard Tyson, CEO of Oxford Instruments, said: “We’re delighted that FemtoTools will be joining Oxford Instruments to add to our armoury of materials analysis techniques.

“The specialist capabilities Felix, Simon and the team have developed will be an excellent addition to our portfolio, enabling us to provide our customers with an even richer range of insights.”

Felix Beyeler, co-founder of FemtoTools, added: “Joining Oxford Instruments is a great opportunity for FemtoTools to quickly reach new customers who are already using Oxford Instruments’ tools.

“Oxford Instruments’ leading reputation and international presence is a great springboard for our next stage of growth, and we’re super excited for our future here.”