3D Systems PacMan
It seems that not a month goes by without a headline that starts “3D Systems to acquire…” and June is no exception as the industry’s Goliath acquires another David.
The latest acquisition is a leading provider of Direct Metal Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printers based in France. Another strategic move by 3DS sees them acquire close to 80% of the Frech outfit.
This acquisition is their fourth in 2013 along with the huge Geomagic news they also acquired COWEB and RPDG plus set up some well-placed partnerships with Hawk Ridge Systems and Synnex Corporation. There’s also the small matter of the unofficial partnership with Toys “R” Us for the Bye-bye Duck Party in Hong Kong.
Phenix Systems designs, manufactures and sells Direct Metal 3D Printers that can print chemically pure fully dense metal and ceramic parts from very fine powders. Materials include stainless steel, tool steel, super alloys, non-ferrous alloys, precious metals and alumina for a variety of aerospace, automotive and patient specific medical device applications.
Precisely one year ago to the day 3D Systems’ rivals EOS filed a patent infringement against Phenix Systems, which sparked Phenix to hit back by filing an infringement against EOS. After a bit of toing and froing all went quiet on the Western European front. The acquisition by 3D Systems must mean all that nastiness has been patched up and 3DS CEO Avi is very excited by his latest procurement,
“Phenix represents the perfect strategic fit for us and we are thrilled to welcome François Reymondet, Patrick Teulet and their entire team to 3D Systems once the deal has closed,” said Reichental. “Our complementary capabilities in advanced manufacturing combined with our effective R&D and extensive marketplace reach and coverage are sure to result in current and future direct metal solutions that will delight our customers.”
François Reymondet, CEO of Phenix Systems added, “We have watched and admired 3D Systems for many years as they have driven the adoption of 3D content-to-print solutions globally. We believe that now is the right time to combine our efforts to take advantage of the accelerating demand for direct metal production,”
Typically 3D Systems’ stock was up after this announcement. They are quite the overwhelming force in the industry.
