(pressebox) (Jena/Ditzingen, 2008-09-09) Jenoptik and Trumpf intend to speed up their collaboration in the field of innovative laser technologies. The acquisition of the British company SPI Lasers plc, Southampton, planned by Trumpf would contribute to this considerably. Trumpf has announced today that it intends to submit a takeover bid for SPI Lasers one of the leading manufacturers of fiber lasers, with a comprehensive basis of patents and technological know-how.

Jenoptik would also benefit from the proposed acquisition by Trumpf. The intention is for the Laser & Material Processing division of the Jena-based optoelectronics group to gain access both to patents and know-how of SPI Lasers, through the joint venture with Trumpf, JT Optical Engine GmbH + Co. KG, Jena and directly.

Within the framework of the joint venture JT Optical Engine GmbH + Co. KG Jenoptik and Trumpf have been working since Summer 2007 on the development of optical modules, so-called optical engines for fiber lasers. In case of the takeover of SPI Lasers by Trumpf a significant reduce of the development times is expected due to the joint use of the SPI Lasers know-how by the joint venture JT Optical Engine GmbH + Co. KG. Based on that Jenoptik will be launching new fiber lasers during the course of the current 2008 fiscal year and consequently markedly expand its fiber laser product family. Additionally, new fiber laser products will follow in 2009.