OFS Sells OCM Biz to PLI

SOMERSET and CRANBURY, N.J. -- OFS, designer, manufacturer, and supplier of leading edge fiber optic products, today announced the sale of its Optical Channel Monitor product line to Princeton Lightwave, Inc. (PLI), of Cranbury, NJ. OFS and PLI jointly reached an agreement for PLI to acquire the Optical Channel Monitor product line based in Somerset, New Jersey.

The acquisition will enhance Princeton Lightwave's product offering into optical networking subsystems. PLI already offers optical devices and modules based on semiconductor sources and detectors for applications in communication, sensing, and instrumentation. PLI now owns the physical assets, rights, designs, know-how, and other intellectual property from OFS’ Optical Channel Monitor product line.

"This is a very good agreement for all the parties involved, including customers and employees," said Dr. Yves Dzialowski, CEO of Princeton Lightwave. "Our company and our management have significant experience in this space and are committed to support the customers and grow this product line. Major telecommunication system suppliers have confidence in Princeton Lightwave's ability to deliver these complex optical instruments and a very rigorous transition plan is already under way." Dzialowski confirmed that PLI has hired all current OFS employees connected with the design and manufacture of OCMs and that the team is already involved in executing a flawless transition.

"We have sharpened the focus of our business. Developing and manufacturing specialty optical fibers and modules and components that rely on specialty fibers for their function are our core activities,” said Dr. Timothy Murray, President of the Specialty Photonics Division of OFS that developed the optical channel monitor. “We are the leading supplier of erbium and other rare earth doped fibers, dispersion shifted compensation modules, and a wide array of other specialty fibers to telecommunications, military, medical, aerospace, automotive, and geophysical market applications.” Dr. Murray added that a big factor in the decision was PLI's commitment to employing the entire OFS OCM manufacturing team and to continuing to supply OCMs to current and new customers. "We're very happy with PLI's decision to support this product line, based on several critical component technologies with which they are very familiar. We have made the best arrangement possible for the customers and the OCM team while aligning our business to our core competencies."

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

OFS

Princeton Lightwave Inc. (PLI)