mynth
01/2021

FLIR SYSTEMS acquired by TELEDYNE TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED

UNITED STATES Hardware & Electronics / Electronic Components / Sensors & Optics EV 3b - 100b USD

Context

Teledyne Technologies has finalized the acquisition of FLIR Systems, a transformative maneuver that fundamentally reshapes the global sensory technology landscape. The strategic rationale for this transaction centers on a "wavelength-complementarity" play, merging the group's leadership in high-performance visible, X-ray, and ultraviolet sensing with the target's undisputed dominance in the infrared and thermal spectrums. This fusion effectively creates a unified end-to-end portfolio for all key domains and applications, ranging from deep-space astronomy to terrestrial defense and industrial automation. This operation allows Teledyne to execute a definitive structural expansion into the unmanned systems and intelligent sensing markets. By incorporating the target's advanced thermal hardware and software-defined imaging capabilities, the organization can now provide an unparalleled ecosystem of sensory solutions for a well-balanced global customer base. The partnership is designed to leverage the group’s industrialized R&D machine and proven operational excellence to accelerate the scaling of next-generation autonomous monitoring platforms. This integration facilitates the creation of a more robust technological platform, providing the strategic depth required to navigate the maturing landscape of the digital and thermal "connected world." Ultimately, the maneuver solidifies the combined entity’s standing as a primary enabler of critical situational awareness and precision diagnostics globally.

By taking control of Flir Systems, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated continues its expansion strategy. Previously, the group had completed 2 acquisitions, including 3m Gas And Flame Detection in 2019.

FLIR SYSTEMS, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2020, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom) sector (14.8x).

Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.

-> Deep-dive in TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom) market trends

Target

FLIR Systems operates as a premier technology organization dedicated to the design and manufacturing of intelligent sensing solutions for defense and industrial applications. The entity’s business model is centered on a proprietary framework of thermal imaging and infrared systems that allow professionals to "see" thermal energy, facilitating critical decision-making in environments where visible light is insufficient. Its value proposition is anchored in technical operational depth, providing advanced sensors, cameras, and unmanned systems that enhance situational awareness and safety. Strategically, the firm focuses on the "World’s Sixth Sense" vision, integrating sophisticated optics with high-performance digital processing to serve the global defense, law enforcement, and industrial inspection markets. By maintaining a specialized focus on the micro-fabrication of infrared detectors and integrated surveillance platforms, the organization ensures a mission-critical role in global security and structural monitoring. The entity prioritizes technical innovation and industrialized reliability to facilitate the structural advancement of sensing technologies.

Ent. Value

LOGIN

Equity Value

LOGIN

Multiples

EV / Revenue

LOGIN

EV / EBITDA

LOGIN

EV / EBIT

LOGIN

Historical Financials (USD)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2020
LOGIN
LOGIN
LOGIN
2019
LOGIN
LOGIN
LOGIN

Similar deals in TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom)

List of similar M&A transactions (Date, Acquirer, Target, Country, Sector, Deal Context)
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySectorDeal Context
04/2021AMPHENOL CORPORATIONMTS SENSORSUNITED STATESHardware & Electronics

Amphenol Corporation has finalized the acquisition of MTS Systems Corporation, an operation designed to fundamentally expand the group's sensor portfolio across high-growth end markets. The strategic rationale for this transaction centers on a "portfolio-purification" play, merging the target's technical operational depth in magnetostrictive sensing with the group's existing breadth in interconnect and antenna solutions. This fusion effectively creates a specialized powerhouse in the industrial sensing market, providing the group with the necessary hardware to "Surround the System" in advanced automation environments

04/2021SENSATA TECHNOLOGIESXIRGO TECHNOLOGIESUNITED STATESHardware & Electronics

Sensata Technologies has announced the acquisition of Xirgo Technologies from private equity firm HKW and other shareholders for $400 million. At the time of the acquisition, Xirgo was expected to generate over $100 million in annual revenue, with growth prospects exceeding 20% per annum in the following years, making it a highly attractive target in the connected solutions market for transportation and logistics. This acquisition is part of Sensata's growth strategy to bolster its "Smart & Connected" initiative, aimed at transforming the company from a traditional sensor supplier to a provider of high-value-added digital data, analytics, and services

12/2020LUNA INNOVATIONS INCORPORATEDOPTASENSEUNITED KINGDOMHardware & Electronics

Luna Innovations Incorporated has completed the transformative acquisition of OptaSense Holdings, Ltd. from QinetiQ. OptaSense will operate as a fully owned subsidiary while maintaining its existing brand identity. The strategic rationale for the combination is to create a global powerhouse in the distributed fiber sensing market by merging OptaSense’s market,leading distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology with Luna’s existing suite of optical products. The integration is expected to be accretive to non,GAAP earnings in 2021

03/2020TE CONNECTIVITYFIRST SENSORGERMANYHardware & Electronics

TE Connectivity Ltd. has completed the public takeover of First Sensor AG, acquiring a 71.87% majority stake from DPE Deutsche Private Equity, funds managed by Teslin Capital Management, and other shareholders. The transaction followed a voluntary public tender offer at a cash consideration of €28.25 per share. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to combine First Sensor's expertise in photonics, pressure sensors, and microelectronic packaging with TE’s global connectivity and sensing portfolio

02/2020GLORY GLOBAL SOLUTIONSACRELECFRANCEHardware & Electronics

Glory acquired 80% of Acrelec's capital for an investment of approximately EUR200 million (on a cash-free, debt-free basis). The deal provides a full exit for the financial investors (Credit Agricole's entities: Idia, Socadif, Brie Picardie Expansion) who had entered in 2016 to fund the acquisition of US-based Hyperactive Technologies. The founders sold a large portion of their shares but reinvested to retain a 20% minority stake and continue leading the company.

10/2019DISCOVERIE GROUPSENS-TECHUNITED KINGDOMHardware & Electronics

discoverIE Group plc has acquired 100% of Xi-Tech Limited and its subsidiary Sens-Tech Limited. The deal includes a further contingent cash consideration of up to 12.0 million GBP, payable over a three-year period subject to specific profit growth targets. To support the transaction and maintain its balance sheet strength, discoverIE launched a proposed placing of new ordinary shares to raise gross proceeds of approximately 33 million GBP. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to enhance the Group's underlying operating margins and expand its international footprint, particularly in North America and Asia

10/2019NANOMETRICS INCORPORATEDRUDOLPH TECHNOLOGIESUNITED STATESHardware & Electronics

The merger between Nanometrics and Rudolph Technologies has established Onto Innovation Inc., a strategic maneuver designed to fundamentally expand the combined group’s footprint across the global semiconductor value chain. The strategic rationale for this transaction centers on a "complementary-platform" play, merging the first entity's technical operational depth in front-end optical metrology with the second entity's established leadership in back-end defect inspection and advanced packaging lithography

04/2019DISCOVERIE GROUPPOSITEKUNITED KINGDOMHardware & Electronics

DiscoverIE Group plc has acquired 100% of the UK-based company Positek. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to strengthen discoverIE’s portfolio of high-precision sensors and expand its reach into international markets requiring ruggedized electronics. By integrating Positek, discoverIE gains access to specialized sensor technologies and expertise while offering the target access to its broader customer base and cross-selling opportunities. The group intends to leverage its international sales network to accelerate Positek's growth and benefit from the efficiencies provided by its manufacturing capabilities

04/2019DISCOVERIE GROUPHOBART ELECTRONICSUNITED STATESHardware & Electronics

discoverIE Group plc has acquired 100% of the US-based company Hobart Electronics as part of a dual acquisition strategy that also included the British firm Positek. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to strengthen discoverIE’s Design & Manufacturing (D&M) division and expand its geographic reach in the North American market. Hobart’s expertise in custom magnetic components perfectly aligns with discoverIE’s focus on high-margin, application-specific electronics for industrial sectors

03/2019LBO FRANCEGROUPE PASSMANFRANCEHardware & Electronics

Following a secondary leveraged buyout (LBO) transaction, Passman has come under the control of LBO France, a leading private equity firm. The investment was made through LBO France's Small Cap Opportunities vehicle, which has acquired a majority stake in the company. The founders will retain a significant stake in the business and continue to be involved in its operational management, ensuring continuity in the company's leadership. Historically focused on the hospitality sector, Passman has successfully expanded its offerings to other environments, including campsites, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers

REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV 3b - 100b USD

Revenue range: 1b - 3b USD

EBITDA range: 250M - 500M USD

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of FLIR SYSTEMS by TELEDYNE TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).

Press release: view release

Acquirer: teledyne technologies incorporated