THE O'GARA GROUP ACQUIRES DIFFRACTION LTD.
Also closes second round of financing with The Walnut Group
Cincinnati, Ohio - May 26, 2005 -- The O’Gara Group, Inc. announced today that it has acquired Diffraction LTD of Waitsfield, VT for an undisclosed purchase price involving cash and stock in The O’Gara Group. Diffraction LTD designs, develops and manufactures proprietary electro-optics and nanotechnology based products and provides technology development services. Diffraction’s operations will remain in Waitsfield, VT.
Diffraction becomes the second subsidiary of The O’Gara Group following the 2003 purchase of Sensor Technology Systems, Inc, a producer of sophisticated military night vision equipment. The Diffraction acquisition will complement STS and provide access to new technologies as it continues to develop next generation electro-optic equipment. STS will in turn provide Diffraction with additional manufacturing capability for electro-optic products.
"Diffraction’s technology and expertise further strengthens The O’Gara Group’s position as a leading provider of innovative, next generation electro-optic equipment, such as our advanced night vision goggles," said Bill T. O’Gara, CEO of The O’Gara Group. "We will continue to fuel growth organically and through additional acquisitions as we seek to become a premier provider of services and products for homeland defense, counter-terrorism and low intensity conflict."
Bill Parker, the co-founder and former co-owner of Diffraction LTD will continue as CEO of the subsidiary and will become the Chief Technology Officer of The O’Gara Group.
"Diffraction LTD has developed a significant electro-optics capability over the last fifteen years and we look forward to many new opportunities to apply this knowledge toward issues of homeland security," said Mr. Parker. "The Diffraction team is primed to make a significant contribution to The O’Gara Group. Additionally, we are delighted to work toward a common goal with Tom and Bill O’Gara, industry veterans with the deep experience and vision needed to build a global company."
Diffraction LTD’s microfabrication, holography, laser lithography and diffractive optics technologies were not included in the sale and were spun off into a separate entity.
As part of the transaction, The Walnut Group provided a second round of equity financing to The O’Gara Group. Key Bank also provided debt financing for the transaction.
