Movement continues in the interconnect industry as connector companies expanded their services, capabilities, products, and supply chains with 2022’s round of acquisitions. Interconnects related to military and aerospace, fiber optics, Test & Measurement, as well as materials access and manufacturing expertise, are among the motivating factors in the year’s acquisitions. Since the 1980s, mergers and acquisitions have occurred frequently in the electronics industry. The pace of consolidation has greatly slowed, but the year brought a few notable moves.
Connector Industry Acquisitions by Month
January 2022
Neutrik Americas Acquires Major Custom Cable Inc.
Neutrik Americas (NAM), a wholly owned subsidiary of Neutrik AG and a member of the Neutrik Group, acquired its long-time business partner and customer, Major Custom Cable (MCC). MCC is recognized as a premier manufacturer of data and communication cables. Peter Milbery, president of Neutrik Americas, said, “Neutrik has a long and successful history with Major Custom Cable as both a customer and a supplier—and the company has always impressed us with their capabilities, quality, and fast response times. For more than a decade, Neutrik has pushed to expand into new markets with our ruggedized copper- and fiber-based locking, circular connectors. The acquisition of MCC will help us accelerate this push to diversify into new markets. At NAM, we are thrilled that we will now have U.S.-based manufacturing in addition to our existing global manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to a long-term and close relationship with MCC.”
Trexon Acquires Power Connector Inc.
Trexon acquired Power Connector Inc. (“PCI”), a leading supplier of tactical communications interconnects for military applications. Founded in 1987 and based in Suffolk County, New York, PCI is a Defense Logistics Agency QPL manufacturer of MIL-DTL-55181 and MIL-DTL-55116 connectors. Designed into radio systems, PCI’s power connectors, audio connectors, and other interconnect components complement Trexon’s existing specialty connectivity offerings for mission-critical applications. Jeff Crane, president and CEO of Trexon at the time, said, “With this acquisition, Trexon continues to build a market leader of specialty connectivity solutions for mission-critical applications. We look forward to working with the strong team that Andy Linder has built as we look to maximize the growth potential of PCI.”
May 2022
Clearfield Acquires European Fiber-Optic Cabling Specialist Nestor Cables
Clearfield, a specialist in fiber management and connectivity platforms for communication service providers, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Finnish company Nestor Cables Oy, a developer and manufacturer of fiber-optic cable products. The acquisition follows a long-standing relationship between Clearfield and Nestor, who have worked together for over a decade. Nestor has a strong market position in Finland as a supplier of optical fiber cabling. The company also exports many of its products to the European continent, accounting for approximately 30% of its annual revenues. Nestor operates two production facilities and has customers in more than 50 countries.
RFMW Acquires Spantech
RFMW acquired Spantech Technology Solutions S.L.U. Spantech represents industry-leading manufacturers of RF, microwave, and mmWave components, and satellite communication equipment in Spain and Portugal. The agreement fortifies RFMW’s international presence and enhances its prominent position as a global and technically competent sales and marketing organization.
July 2022
Amphenol Acquires NPI Solutions
Amphenol has acquired California-based NPI Solutions. NPI manufactures cable assemblies and value-add interconnect assemblies for industrial applications with a particular focus on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The acquisition further strengthens the company’s capabilities and enhances Amphenol’s product offerings in the industrial market.
Arcline Investment Management Acquires Custom Interconnects LLC
Arcline Investment Management announced the acquisition of Custom Interconnects LLC and the formation of Qnnect LLC, a specialty interconnects platform aimed at solving critical connectivity challenges in high-performance applications. Qnnect brings Custom Interconnects together with Meritec and Joy Signal Technology. Custom Interconnects designs and manufactures Fuzz Buttons, a high-performance, proprietary contact pin technology enabling critical applications within the aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries.
Douglas Electrical Components Acquires Electronic Products Inc. (EPI)
Douglas Electrical Components acquired Electronic Products Inc. (EPI). EPI designs and manufactures ceramic and glass-to-metal hermetic packaging and packaging solutions for space, aerospace, and defense, and high-reliability applications. Together, Douglas and EPI will offer a comprehensive suite of high-value hermetic products and technologies to a broad range of customers. Ed Douglas, CEO of DEC said, “EPI is an established center of excellence for ceramic and glass-to-metal sealing technologies. We are thrilled to partner with them and provide customers with a one-stop-shop for epoxy, ceramic, and glass-to-metal hermetic solutions.”
Littelfuse Acquires C&K Switches
Littelfuse Inc., an industrial technology manufacturing company, acquired C&K Switches (C&K). C&K is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance electromechanical switches and interconnect solutions with a strong global presence across a broad range of end markets, including industrial, transportation, aerospace, and datacom. “The combination of our companies significantly expands our technologies and capabilities, enabling us to deliver comprehensive solutions offering to our broad customer base, across a wide range of vertical end markets,” said Deepak Nayar, senior vice president and general manager, Littelfuse Electronics Business. “Our businesses are highly complementary and enable us to leverage our collective go-to-market models and global footprints.”
August 2022
RS Group plc acquired Risoul y Cia, S.A. de C.V. (Risoul), a family-owned distributor of industrial and automation product and service solutions in Mexico. Risoul is a leading distributor of industrial and automation product and service solutions in Mexico with almost 50 years of operational knowledge and automation expertise. Risoul sells a range of branded products and is the largest authorized Rockwell Automation distributor in Latin America, the tenth globally, with rights to distribute Rockwell’s products in the main industrial areas of Mexico and has recently launched into Spain. Risoul also provides several service solutions including onsite product training, control board and panel assembly, air conditioning maintenance, specialist tool repair, and a smart network infrastructure service.
September 2022
Nicomatic SA Acquires its Swedish Distributor Accurate
Nicomatic SA acquired its Swedish distributor Accurate after a 20-year partnership. This external growth marks the beginning of a new model, using the Scandinavian company’s existing consultancy expertise and accelerating the development of integrated electronic systems in partnership with a powerful local ecosystem. The merger will provide clients with solutions and help them with their integration through a more global approach involving data exploration, jobs transformation, change management and Industry 4.0. This approach encourages reindustrialization, incorporating local manufacturing and research with neighboring players, as part of an open innovation philosophy. If the strategy is successful in Sweden, it will be reproduced in France and in Nicomatic’s ecosystem worldwide.
Trexon has acquired Intelliconnect, a supplier of RF connectors, adapters, and cable assemblies. Founded in 2003 and based in Chelmsford, U.K., Intelliconnect has grown rapidly since its inception, becoming a market leader in design-led RF (radio frequency) components. Mark Twaalfhoven, president and CEO of Trexon said, “The addition of Intelliconnect brings a customer-centric organization with a level of expertise and experience that aligns with the Trexon strategic vision of delivering application specific solutions. Their innovation enables the development of critical technologies that support key megatrend drivers such as AI and the application for quantum computing.”
New Yorker Electronics Acquires Switches Unlimited
New Yorker Electronics Co. Inc. acquired Switches Unlimited Inc., a specialty distributor of electromechanical and automation controls for a wide range of markets, including industrial, military, medical, food, and beverage. The newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary will continue to operate under the name Switches Unlimited. A long-established distributor of electronic components for new designs and replacements, Switches Unlimited specializes in panel design and automation controls, along with drop-in replacements for obsolete parts.
HEICO Acquires Ironwood Electronics
HEICO Corporation announced that its Electronic Technologies Group acquired approximately 80% of the capital stock of Ironwood Electronics Inc., a technology component company. The balance of Ironwood’s shares will continue to be owned by Ironwood’s CEO, David Struyk, and other key managers. Founded in 1986, Ironwood is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance test sockets and adapters for the engineering and production use of semiconductor devices. Its products are utilized by, among others, semiconductor designers and manufacturers for critical validation and testing, as well as additional applications. Ironwood’s sockets and adapters are also used by technology and electronics designers and producers for development and production purposes in their systems.
HUBER+SUHNER Acquired Phoenix Dynamics
HUBER+SUHNER acquired Phoenix Dynamics Ltd, a provider of customized, assembled cable solutions, electromechanical assemblies, and concept design and consulting for the industrial markets in Europe and North America. Based in Staffordshire, U.K., Phoenix Dynamics has been active in the aerospace and defense markets for 25 years. The company also serves customers in industries such as automotive, energy, industrial, marine, medical, rail, and security. It will become HUBER+SUHNER Phoenix Dynamics Ltd.
November 2022
PEI Genesis Acquires Testco Inc.
PEI-Genesis has acquired California-based Testco Inc., a supplier of passive, electromechanical, and interconnect components with 40 years of customer excellence. The purchase allows the company to better serve a broader range of customers’ needs for IP&E product solutions. Testco supplies passive, electromechanical, and interconnect components with superior technical expertise and broad product knowledge. Serving technology companies worldwide for over 40 years, Testco offers creative supply chain solutions to meet customer requirements. PEI-Genesis will operate Testco as a separate company, continuing to work with Testco as an authorized supplier partner.
Qnnect Acquires Hermetic Solutions Group
Qnnect, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, acquired Hermetic Solutions Group (“HSG”), expanding Qnnect’s offerings into hermetic packages and augmenting its existing portfolio of specialty interconnect solutions. HSG designs and manufactures highly engineered, mission-critical electronic solutions to protect, preserve, and facilitate electronic signal generation and transmission. With the acquisition, Qnnect adds HSG’s seven industry-leading brands: Cristek Interconnects, FilConn, Hi-Rel Group, Litron, PA&E, Sinclair, and Zet-Tek Manufacturing.
Nexans to Acquire Reka Cables from Reka Industrial
Nexans SA entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Reka Industrial Plc to acquire Reka Cables (the “Transaction”). Founded in 1961, Reka Cables is active in the manufacturing of low and medium-voltage cables and is one of the first cable manufacturers to become Carbon Neutral on scope 1 and scope 2. Completion of the Transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to take place in the first half of 2023. Christopher Guérin, Nexans CEO said: “This premium Finnish operation will further contribute to Nexans’ ability to serve our Nordic customers with high quality and safety cables in the region.”
December 2022
Samtec Announces Acquisition of Ultra Communications
Samtec acquired Ultra Communications Inc., a manufacturer of high-speed digital and RF fiber optic components, based in Vista, California. Ultra Communication’s core competencies include circuit design, optoelectronic package design and manufacturing of fiber optic components. Founded in 2005, the company holds substantial IP and technology, with active programs in the mil-avionic, space/satellite, ground vehicles, radar, and shipboard connectivity arenas. The acquisition provides Samtec with an opportunity to strengthen and expand its fiber optic product offering for mil/aero and harsh environment applications. Ultra Communications’ expertise in high-speed mixed-signal circuit design, packaging for high-fidelity electrical and optical coupling, and testing at the wafer and component level, combined with Samtec’s advanced interconnect design expertise, will provide advanced product and technology solutions. Samtec plans to maintain operations and staff at the Vista facility.
Aptiv Acquires Intercable Automotive Solutions
Aptiv PLC, a global technology company focused on making mobility safer, greener, and more connected, announced today a definitive agreement to acquire an 85% equity stake in Intercable Automotive Solutions. Based in Bruneck, Italy, with manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia, Intercable Automotive Solutions is an industry leader and pioneer in high-voltage power distribution and high-precision connection technologies. The product portfolio includes seven generations of high-voltage busbar technology, solid-state electrical centers, battery cell interconnect systems, and other high-voltage power distribution solutions. Leveraging Intercable’s highly automated manufacturing processes, innovative product design, and strategic relationships with key European automotive OEMs, Aptiv will enhance its position as a global leader in vehicle architecture systems.
Wieland Acquires Hummock Industries, Heyco Metals, and National Bronze Manufacturing
Wieland acquired Heyco Metals, a leader in light and medium gauge copper, copper alloy, and stainless-steel strip processing; National Bronze, a manufacturer and distributor of bronze-based bearing products; and Hummock Industries, a family-owned holding company focused on long-term investments in North American-based manufacturing companies. These complementary operations will further strengthen Wieland’s market position with expanded product offerings, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution networks in North America.
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