ELKTON, Md. -- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., a leading supplier of components for the electronic industry, announces its decision to sell its fiber optic business. This strategic decision is partially based on Gore's continued commitment to be a leading supplier of electrical interconnects. "We are refocusing Gore's electronic components business on high performance electrical interconnects and materials, our core technology," states Russell Shaller, general manager of Gore Photonics. "For over forty years, Gore has led the way in manufacturing state-of-the-art electrical interconnects with optimal signal integrity in high date rate or high frequency transmission applications." "As we seek interested buyers for the fiber optic business, we will continue to fully support the needs of our customers and meet our commitments to them," comments Shaller. Gore Photonics is the leading developer of VCSEL-based parallel optic arrays for very short reach interconnection between electronic components and systems. In addition to Gore's highly successful 850-nm VCSEL technology, the company has demonstrated the world's highest power, optically pumped 1310-nm VCSEL structure that extends their technology into longer-range applications. W.L. Gore & Associates Inc.