ASF Metrology (Varallo, Italy) intends to acquire the coordinate measuring machines (CMM) business of Nikon Metrology (Leuven, Belgium), according to Nikon. The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in about two months from the date of the announcement (Feb. 8, 2018).

Nikon Metrology's CMM activities, with offices in Belgium, France, Germany, the UK, and the USA, represent about 25% of the total Nikon Metrology worldwide consolidated turnover. CMMs are used in sectors where accurate dimensions and quality control are crucial, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical implants.

Upon closing the transaction, all CMM production, development, sales, and service activities, including Nikon's multisensor CAMIO software, will be transferred to ASF Metrology, under the ownership and management of CEO Angelo Muscarella.

Nikon Metrology will continue to serve a number of selected accounts as part of a strategic marketing partnership in which both companies will promote each other's products and services. However, all employees mainly dedicated to the CMM business are intended to transfer to ASF Metrology.

"This business transfer is in line with the 2017 Nikon Corporation strategic review for industrial metrology to focus on noncontact inspection based on optical and x-ray technology and will allow both companies to focus on a more efficient growth strategy for each of their businesses," says Hajime Kosawa, CEO of Nikon Metrology.

"We will focus on growth in all regions by expanding our market coverage worldwide, leveraging on the former LK brand name of the CMM business and its track record," says ASF CEO Muscarella.

Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Source: Nikon Metrology