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HUBER+SUHNER acquires RF cable assembly specialist Astrolab Inc

8th January 2013

HUBER+SUHNER

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HUBER+SUHNER has acquired the assets of US RF cable specialist Astrolab Inc for a non-disclosed sum. With its patented minibend® and microbend® cable assemblies, Astrolab is mainly active in high tech niche markets including space & defence and offers high end radio frequency solutions for industrial markets.

Last year Astrolab recorded net sales of around USD 20 million and a profit margin well above industry average. The company’s flexible microwave cables and assemblies are renowned for its unrivalled electrical properties and performance. Besides in Warren, NJ, Astrolab operates a second production site in Costa Rica. Thanks to the strong market position in North America the company generated over 80% of its sales in the home market.

According to Urs Kaufmann, CEO of HUBER+SUHNER, Astrolab is strategically the perfect match for the company as this acquisition ideally complements the RF portfolio and the position of the company in North America. “We are taking an important step in the implementation of our strategy by enhancing our US presence and our access to very important high tech niche markets”, said Mr. Kaufmann. “We are building Astrolab into a lead competence center for tape wrapped microwave cable design as well as production center for space, defence and aviation applications within the HUBER+SUHNER Group. There is little overlap of the product portfolios and the access to HUBER+SUHNER’s global sales force will unlock true growth potential for Astrolab products”.

“We are beginning a new chapter in our company history and we are convinced that HUBER+SUHNER is the ideal strategic match for Astrolab”, said Steve Toma, President of Astrolab, Inc. “HUBER+SUHNER
possesses the strength and the reach to tap into new geographical markets for our world class products, and HUBER+SUHNER’s engineering depth will help foster our innovative power. Furthermore, HUBER+SUHNER has a proven track record in promoting a positive company culture with a long-term
business perspective, which is important for our personnel”.

Astrolab was founded in 1961. Its passive microwave components and cable assemblies soon became an industry benchmark. Astrolab currently employs some 100 people and will operate as a subsidiary of HUBER+SUHNER, Corp. under the name HUBER+SUHNER Astrolab, Inc.